LIHEAP is based on your household income and the state you live in

The Low Income Home Energy information Program (LIHEAP) is a federal block grant that helps households pay heating and cooling bills. Each state runs its own LIHEAP program with its own income limits, so whether you may have access to depends on where you live and how much your household earns. Most states set the limit at or near 150% of the federal poverty line, but some go higher or lower.

Income is the main factor. LIHEAP counts all money coming into your household — wages, Social Security, unemployment, child support, pension payments. Some states exclude certain income types, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in a few places, but most count everything. You will need to report the income of everyone living in your home, not just the person whose name is on the utility bill.

Household size matters because the poverty line changes with it. A single person in 2024 might have a limit around $1,500 per month, while a family of four might have a limit around $3,100 per month — but these numbers vary by state and shift yearly. Your state LIHEAP office can tell you the exact threshold for your household size right now.

Key Takeaways

  • LIHEAP income limits are set by each state and usually fall between 130% and 200% of the federal poverty line, so you must check your state's specific threshold.
  • Your household income includes wages, benefits, pensions, and support payments from everyone living in your home, and most states count all of it.
  • You must own or rent your home and be responsible for paying the heating or cooling bill yourself — LIHEAP does not help if someone else pays it.
  • The program prioritizes households with elderly people, children, or someone with a disability, so you may move up the waiting list if any of those explore to you.
  • Your state LIHEAP office has the final word on income limits and what documents you need to prove your income and residency.

How your state calculates the income limit

The federal government sets a poverty guideline each year, and most states use a percentage of that as their LIHEAP cutoff. In 2024, the federal poverty line for a single person was around $1,000 per month. A state that sets LIHEAP at 150% of poverty would allow a single person earning up to about $1,500 per month. A state at 200% would allow up to $2,000.

Your state publishes these numbers, usually on its LIHEAP program page or through the state energy office. Some states post them monthly; others update once a year. If you are close to the limit, ask your state LIHEAP office whether your income falls within range before gathering documents. Many programs have a waiting list, and you do not want to spend time collecting paperwork if you are ineligible.

Income limits also shift based on household size. A household of one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, and eight people each have different thresholds. If you have more than eight people in your home, most states add a set amount per additional person. Your state office can calculate your exact limit once you tell them your household size and state.

What counts as income and what does not

LIHEAP counts earned income — wages from a job, self-employment income, tips. It also counts unearned income: Social Security, unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, pensions, annuities, child support, alimony, rental income, and interest from savings. If money regularly comes into your household, LIHEAP probably counts it.

A few income types are usually excluded. Most states do not count the value of food stamps (SNAP), housing vouchers, or Medicaid. Some states exclude SSI, though not all. A small number of states do not count child support or certain one-time payments. Your state LIHEAP office will tell you which exclusions explore where you live.

Lump-sum payments — a tax refund, an inheritance, a settlement — are usually not counted as ongoing income, though some states have rules about how much cash savings you can have and still be may be able to access. If you received a large one-time payment recently, ask whether it affects your may be able to access.

Household composition and who must be included

Your household includes everyone living in your home who shares expenses with you. That means a spouse, children, parents, siblings, roommates, or anyone else under your roof. LIHEAP counts their income too, even if they do not work or do not contribute money. The program wants to know the total resources available to pay the heating or cooling bill.

If you live alone, your household is one. If you live with a partner and two children, your household is four. If you rent a room to someone unrelated and they pay you rent, they are not part of your household — they are a tenant. But if a family member lives with you and shares the cost of utilities, they are part of your household and their income counts.

Some states ask whether anyone in the household is elderly (usually 60 or older), a child under 6, or a person with a disability. These households often move higher on the waiting list, but they do not change the income limit itself. You will need to report this information when you contact your state LIHEAP office.

Residency and utility bill requirements

You must live in the state where you are explore. LIHEAP is a state program, and you can only get help from the state you live in. If you recently moved, you may need to wait a short time before you are may be able to access — some states require 30 days of residency. Check your state's rule.

You must also be responsible for paying the heating or cooling bill. If you own your home, you pay the bill directly. If you rent, your lease must say you pay utilities, and you must have a bill in your name or proof that you pay the landlord for utilities. LIHEAP will not help if your rent includes utilities and someone else (the landlord) is responsible for the bill.

You will need to show proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government ID with your current address. You will also need the account number from your heating or cooling bill so LIHEAP can contact your utility company and arrange payment.

Priority groups and waiting lists

When LIHEAP funding runs low, states prioritize certain households. Nearly every state puts households with elderly people (usually 60 or older), young children (usually under 6), or someone with a disability at the front of the line. Some states also prioritize households where someone has a serious health condition related to heat or cold.

If your household falls into a priority group, tell your state LIHEAP office when you contact them. You will likely need to provide proof — a birth certificate for a child, a Social Security statement showing age, or a letter from a doctor about a disability. Being in a priority group does not may provide you will receive help, but it means your process will be reviewed before non-priority households.

Many states have waiting lists during peak heating or cooling season. If funding runs out, your state may close the program temporarily and reopen it later in the year. Your state LIHEAP office can tell you whether the program is currently open and how long the wait is.

Documents you will need to gather

When you contact your state LIHEAP office, have these items ready: proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, benefit statements, tax returns), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), your utility account number, and proof of household composition (birth certificates, ID cards, or a list of names and ages). If anyone in your household receives benefits, bring the most recent statement.

If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years and recent bank statements showing income. If you receive irregular income — seasonal work, gig work — bring statements from the last three months. If you are retired or on a fixed income, bring a recent benefit statement or pension letter.

Different states ask for slightly different documents, so call your state LIHEAP office first and ask what they need. Some states let you explore online; others require you to explore in person or by mail. Having the right documents ready speeds up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my income is just above the limit?

You are not may be able to access under LIHEAP's income rules. Some states have other utility information programs with higher income limits, so ask your state energy office whether other options exist. Your local community action agency may also run a separate program.

Does LIHEAP help with water bills or trash collection?

No. LIHEAP covers only heating and cooling costs — natural gas, heating oil, electricity for air conditioning or heating, and sometimes propane. Water, sewer, and trash are not covered. Some states have separate programs for water bills; ask your state utility commission.

Can I get LIHEAP if I live in a mobile home or apartment?

Yes, as long as you are responsible for paying the heating or cooling bill. If you rent an apartment and your lease says you pay utilities, you are may be able to access. If you own a mobile home and pay the bill, you are may be able to access. If your rent includes utilities, you are not.

What happens if I do not meet the income limit now but expect to fall below it later?

You are not may be able to access until your income actually falls below the limit. You cannot explore based on expected future income. If your circumstances change — you lose a job, a household member moves out — contact your state LIHEAP office and ask whether you can reapply.

Do I have to repay LIHEAP money if my situation improves?

No. LIHEAP is a grant, not a loan. Once the program pays your bill, you do not owe the money back, even if your income increases later. The money goes directly to your utility company, not to you.