LIHEAP income limits are set by your state and usually fall between 130% and 200% of the federal poverty line
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) does not have a single national income limit. Instead, each state sets its own threshold, which is why a household that qualifies in one state may not may have access to in another. Most states use somewhere between 130% and 200% of the federal poverty line, but some go higher or lower depending on their funding and priorities.
Your state's specific limit depends on how much money LIHEAP received that year and how many people applied. When a state runs low on funds, it may lower the income limit to stretch resources further. When funding increases, the limit may rise. This means the threshold can shift year to year, and you should check your state's current number rather than relying on what you heard last year.
To find your state's exact limit, contact your state energy office or local LIHEAP administrator. They can tell you the current threshold for a household of your size in dollars per month or year. Many state websites also publish this information, though it is sometimes buried in program documents rather than on the main page.
Key Takeaways
- LIHEAP income limits vary by state and are usually between 130% and 200% of the federal poverty line, so you must check your own state's number.
- Income limits can change year to year based on how much funding your state receives, so a household that may have access to last year may not this year.
- Gross income (before taxes) is what counts, and it includes wages, Social Security, unemployment, child support, and most other regular money coming in.
- Your state's LIHEAP office or local administrator can tell you the exact current limit for your household size in one phone call.
- Some states count household size differently — some include only people living with you, others count dependents away at school — so ask how your state defines it.
What income counts toward the LIHEAP limit
LIHEAP counts gross income, which means the money before taxes come out. This includes wages from a job, self-employment income, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, child support, alimony, pensions, and regular gifts or money from family members.
Some types of money do not count. One-time payments like tax refunds, insurance settlements, or money from selling a car usually do not count. Money you receive specifically for a purpose — like a scholarship that covers tuition, or a utility assistance grant from another program — may not count either, depending on your state's rules. The safest approach is to list everything and let your LIHEAP worker decide what counts.
If you are self-employed, LIHEAP counts your net income (what you make after business expenses), not your gross receipts. Keep records of what you spent on the business so you can show the actual profit.
How household size affects your income limit
LIHEAP calculates income limits based on household size, so a family of four has a higher dollar limit than a family of two. The federal poverty line itself changes with household size, and LIHEAP limits are built on that foundation.
The tricky part is that states define "household" differently. Most count everyone living in your home, including children, elderly parents, or other relatives. Some states also count dependents who live elsewhere but receive support from you — like a child in college or an adult child living with a partner. Other states do not count those dependents. A few states have special rules for people in nursing homes or other facilities.
Before you calculate whether you may have access to, ask your state LIHEAP office how they define household size. The answer changes what your income limit actually is.
Income limits for different household sizes
Because limits vary by state and change annually, this table shows the general range rather than exact numbers. Use it to get a rough sense of where your household might fall, then contact your state office for the precise current limit.
| Household Size | Approximate Range (130–200% of Federal Poverty Line) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,700–$2,600 per month (varies by state) |
| 2 people | $2,300–$3,500 per month (varies by state) |
| 3 people | $2,900–$4,400 per month (varies by state) |
| 4 people | $3,500–$5,300 per month (varies by state) |
| 5 people | $4,100–$6,300 per month (varies by state) |
| 6 people | $4,700–$7,200 per month (varies by state) |
These are rough estimates based on 2024 federal poverty guidelines. Your actual state limit may be higher or lower, and it changes each year. Do not use this table to decide whether to contact your state office — contact them regardless, because the only number that matters is your state's current threshold.
What happens if your income is just above the limit
If your household income is slightly above your state's LIHEAP limit, you do not may have access to under the standard rules. However, some states have a second tier or alternative program for households just over the line, so it is worth asking. A few states also allow you to subtract certain expenses — like child care or medical costs — from your income before comparing it to the limit.
Some states prioritize households with the lowest income when funds run short, which means even if you are under the limit, you might not receive help in a particular year if the program runs out of money. In that case, your name may go on a waiting list for the next funding cycle.
How to report income changes during the year
If your income drops after you are approved for LIHEAP, you usually do not need to report it immediately — most programs run on an annual cycle and reassess when you reapply the following year. However, if your income rises significantly, some states ask you to report it so they can adjust your benefit or close your case if you are now over the limit.
The safest approach is to ask your LIHEAP worker what changes you should report and when. Some states have online portals where you can update your information; others ask you to call or mail in a form. Keeping your caseworker informed prevents problems later if the program audits your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my spouse's income count if we are married but file taxes separately?
Yes. LIHEAP counts the income of everyone in your household, regardless of how you file taxes. If you are married and living together, both spouses' income counts toward the limit, even if you file separate returns.
What if I receive irregular income, like seasonal work or occasional freelance jobs?
LIHEAP usually averages irregular income over the past 12 months or uses the most recent month as a representative example, depending on your state's rules. Bring documentation of what you earned — pay stubs, 1099 forms, or bank statements — so your worker can calculate an accurate average.
Do I have to report money my adult child gives me?
If the money is a gift with no expectation of repayment, most states do not count it as income. However, if it is regular support you depend on, some states may count it. Ask your LIHEAP worker whether to report gifts and how much documentation they need.
Can I be denied LIHEAP just because my income is too high, or are there other reasons?
Income is the main reason for denial, but you can also be denied if you do not have a heating or cooling bill in your name, if you already received LIHEAP benefits this year in another state, or if you do not meet your state's citizenship or residency requirements. Ask your worker which reason applies if you are denied.