Pennsylvania's LIHEAP income limits change each year and depend on how many people live in your household

Pennsylvania's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) sets a maximum monthly gross income you cannot exceed to be considered. The limit is not a single number — it rises with each additional household member. For the 2024–2025 program year, a single person in Pennsylvania can earn up to roughly $1,500 per month, while a family of four can earn up to roughly $3,100 per month. These figures are based on 60 percent of the state median income and are recalculated annually, usually in October.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services publishes the exact income limits each fall before the heating season begins. Because these limits shift year to year, you should check the current limits on the DHS website or call your local LIHEAP office rather than relying on last year's numbers. Income is counted as gross monthly earnings before taxes, and it includes wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and pension payments.

Key Takeaways

  • Pennsylvania LIHEAP income limits are set at 60 percent of the state median income and vary by household size, not by a flat dollar amount.
  • Income limits are recalculated each October and apply to the heating season running from November through March.
  • Gross monthly income includes all earnings before taxes: wages, Social Security, unemployment, child support, and pensions.
  • Your local county assistance office or LIHEAP intake worker can tell you the exact limit for your household size in the current program year.

How household size affects your income limit

Each additional person in your household raises the income ceiling. Pennsylvania counts everyone living in your home who shares expenses, including children, elderly relatives, and unrelated adults. The program does not count foster children or people temporarily staying with you.

If you live alone, your limit is lower than a couple's limit, which is lower than a family of three's limit. A household of five or more people will have a substantially higher income limit than a household of two. The exact dollar amounts for each size are published by the Department of Human Services and change annually, so the 2025–2026 limits will differ from the 2024–2025 limits.

What counts as income for LIHEAP purposes

LIHEAP counts gross income, meaning the money before taxes are taken out. This includes regular wages from employment, self-employment income, Social Security retirement or disability payments, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, child support or alimony received, pension or retirement account distributions, and rental income.

Some income does not count. Lump-sum payments like tax refunds, insurance settlements, or one-time gifts are not counted as monthly income. Loans and borrowed money do not count. Money from the sale of personal property does not count. If you receive a one-time bonus or inheritance, it does not affect your LIHEAP income calculation, though it may affect your assets if the program has an asset limit (Pennsylvania's LIHEAP does not have a strict asset limit, but your intake worker can clarify current policy).

When income limits are updated and how to find the current numbers

Pennsylvania updates its LIHEAP income limits each October, before the November start of the heating season. The new limits remain in effect through the following September. If you applied last year and were found ineligible due to income, you may be may be able to access this year if the limits have risen or if your household income has decreased.

To find the current income limits, contact your county assistance office directly — they have the official table. You can also call the Pennsylvania LIHEAP hotline or visit the Department of Human Services website. Have your household size and current gross monthly income ready when you call, and the intake worker can tell you immediately whether you fall within the limit.

What happens if your income is slightly over the limit

If your gross monthly income exceeds the limit by a small amount, you will not be found may be able to access for that program year. LIHEAP does not have a grace period or a near-miss provision. However, if your income drops during the heating season — for example, you lose hours at work or a household member's unemployment benefits end — you can reapply with updated income documentation and may become may be able to access mid-season.

Some households also have access to other heating assistance programs run by nonprofits or utility companies that have different income limits. Your county assistance office or 211 can tell you whether other programs in your area accept higher incomes or have different rules.

How to report your income when you apply

When you apply for LIHEAP, you will need to provide proof of your household's gross monthly income for the past 30 days or most recent month. Acceptable proof includes recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer stating your wage, Social Security award letters, unemployment benefit statements, pension statements, or tax returns if you are self-employed. If a household member receives benefits, bring the most recent benefit letter or statement showing the monthly amount.

If your income varies — for example, you work seasonal jobs or receive irregular self-employment income — bring documentation for the past three months and the intake worker will calculate an average. Be honest about all income sources; underreporting income can result in your application being denied or benefits being reclaimed if the discrepancy is discovered later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my spouse's income count if we are not married but live together?

Yes. LIHEAP counts the income of anyone living in your household who shares expenses, whether you are married or not. If you have a roommate who pays rent separately and does not share food or utilities, their income may not count — ask your intake worker about your specific living arrangement.

What if I just started a new job and do not have a full month of pay stubs yet?

Bring a letter from your employer stating your hourly wage or salary and expected start date. The intake worker will calculate your expected monthly income based on that letter. If you have even one pay stub, bring it along with the letter to show actual hours worked.

Does child support I receive count toward the income limit?

Yes, child support counts as income. Bring the court order or most recent payment statement showing the monthly amount. If payments are irregular, bring documentation of the past three months and the intake worker will average them.

Can I be found ineligible one year and may be able to access the next if my income stays the same?

Yes, if the income limits rise. Because limits are recalculated annually based on state median income, a household that was over the limit last year may fall within the new limit this year even if their income has not changed. Check the current year's limits before assuming you are ineligible.

What if my household income is right at the limit, not over it?

You are may be able to access. The limit is a ceiling, not a threshold. If your income equals the published limit for your household size, you meet the income requirement and can proceed with the rest of the application process.