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Office of Home Energy Programs sees 24% budget jump as applications surge; DHS cites operational fixes
Summary
DHS and DLS told the subcommittee the Office of Home Energy Programs' fiscal 2026 allowance rises to $288.2 million amid dramatically higher applications after eligibility changes; DHS described technology and staffing fixes and said it is reviewing supplemental benefit options.
The Health and Social Services Subcommittee reviewed the Department of Human Services’ Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) budget, which DLS said increases by $56.0 million (24.1 percent) to $288.2 million for fiscal 2026.
DLS analyst Savick Shah Bujal summarized program data and concerns, citing a 61.1 percent increase in applications in fiscal 2024 after Chapter 207 of 2023 expanded eligibility and implemented categorical eligibility and automatic enrollment for certain benefit recipients. DLS recommended committee narrative requesting additional data on participation by vulnerable populations and recommended restricting some funds pending a report on application processing times and denial rates.
Nut graf: Why it matters
The budget and administration of energy assistance affect low‑income households directly; rapid increases in demand, reductions in per‑household benefit levels, and pauses in payments in 2024 prompted legislative requests for data and prompted DHS to commit to operational changes.
What DHS told lawmakers
Principal Deputy Secretary Carnita White and OHEP acting…
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