LIHEAP income limits depend on your state and household size
There is no single national income limit for LIHEAP. Each state sets its own threshold based on federal guidelines, and the limit changes depending on how many people live in your household. Most states use 150% of the federal poverty line as their cutoff, but some go as high as 200%. A single person in one state might be over the limit while the same income qualifies in another.
Your state's LIHEAP program publishes its current income limits every year, usually in September or October when the heating season begins. The limits are tied to the federal poverty guidelines, which the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services updates each January. If your income is close to the limit, contact your state LIHEAP office directly — they can tell you whether you fall within range before you spend time gathering documents.
Key Takeaways
- Income limits vary by state and household size; there is no single national threshold that applies everywhere.
- Most states use 150% of the federal poverty line, but some allow up to 200%, so you must check your specific state's current limits.
- Your state LIHEAP office publishes updated income limits each year and can confirm your status in one phone call.
- Household size includes everyone living with you who shares expenses, not just people on a lease or related by blood.
How to find your state's exact income limit
Start by contacting your state's LIHEAP program office. You can find the phone number through your state's energy assistance website or by calling 211 and asking for LIHEAP. Have your household size ready when you call — they will tell you the income limit for your situation in minutes.
If you prefer to look it up yourself, the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association (NEADA) maintains a state-by-state directory with links to each program. The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) office in your state can also direct you to LIHEAP. Some states post their limits online; others require a phone call. Either way, you are looking for a document called the "Income may be able to access Guidelines" or "Income Limits" for the current program year.
What counts as household income for LIHEAP
LIHEAP counts gross income before taxes. This includes wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, pension payments, and rental income. Some states also count TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and SNAP benefits as income; others do not. The rules vary enough that you should ask your state program which sources they count.
Household size is broader than you might think. It includes anyone living in your home who shares food or expenses with you, whether or not they are related to you or on the lease. A roommate, an adult child, a parent, or a foster child all count. If someone lives with you but pays their own separate rent and buys their own food, they may not count — but ask your program to be sure, because the definition varies by state.
Income limits for different household sizes
To show how limits work in practice, here is an example from a state using 150% of the federal poverty line. These numbers change each year, so treat them as a reference point, not your actual limit:
| Household Size | Federal Poverty Line (2024 example) | 150% of Poverty Line (example) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $14,580 | $21,870 |
| 2 people | $18,754 | $28,131 |
| 3 people | $23,630 | $35,445 |
| 4 people | $28,506 | $42,759 |
| 5 people | $33,382 | $50,073 |
If your state uses 200% of the poverty line instead, the limits would be roughly 33% higher. Some states also have separate, higher limits for elderly or disabled household members. Check your state's published guidelines to see which percentage applies to you and whether any exceptions exist.
What happens if your income is slightly over the limit
If you are over the limit by a small amount, ask your program whether they have any discretion or whether they consider deductions. Some states allow you to subtract certain expenses — like child care or medical costs — before comparing your income to the limit. Others have no flexibility and enforce the limit strictly. A phone call to your state LIHEAP office takes five minutes and might change the answer.
If you are over the limit and no exceptions apply, you are not out of options. Some states run separate programs for households above the LIHEAP limit, or you may be able to reach a utility company's own assistance program. Your state energy office or 211 can point you toward alternatives.
When to check your income against the limit
Check your income limit before the heating season in your region — typically September through November in northern states, and year-round in warmer climates. LIHEAP programs often have waiting lists once they open, so knowing whether you are within range helps you decide whether to apply early or wait. If your income is borderline, apply anyway; the program will verify your actual income during the process, and you may may have access to based on how they calculate it.
Your income can change during the year. If you lose a job or your hours drop, contact your LIHEAP program to see whether you now fall within the limit. Some programs allow you to reapply if your circumstances change. If you were denied because your income was too high, a job loss or reduction in hours might open the door to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report my income every year?
Yes. LIHEAP programs verify income annually, usually at the start of each heating season. You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements. If your income has changed since last year, tell your program — it may affect whether you stay within the limit or whether you receive a different benefit amount.
What if I am self-employed or have irregular income?
Self-employed income is usually calculated as your average over the past 12 months or the past year's tax return. If your income varies month to month, your program will use a method that captures your typical earnings. Bring your most recent tax return and three months of bank statements or profit-and-loss records so the program can calculate accurately.
Does my spouse's income count if we are not married?
Only if you live together and share expenses. If you are in a domestic partnership or live with a partner and share household costs, their income counts toward the household total. If you live separately or maintain separate finances, their income does not count. Your state program can clarify how they define household for your situation.
Can I be denied LIHEAP just because my income is over the limit?
Yes. Income limits are a hard rule for LIHEAP. If your household income exceeds your state's threshold, you do not meet the basic requirement. However, some states have other programs for households above the LIHEAP limit, and utility companies sometimes offer their own assistance. Ask your state energy office what alternatives exist.
What if I have not filed taxes this year?
You can still show income through other documents: recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, benefit award letters from Social Security or unemployment, or bank statements showing regular deposits. LIHEAP programs understand that not everyone files taxes. Bring whatever income documentation you have, and ask what else they need.