LIHEAP Eligibility Basics: Income Limits, Household Size, and What Really Counts

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that helps many households with heating and cooling bills, and in some cases with energy crises or minor weatherization.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not an official LIHEAP agency, cannot take applications, and cannot check benefits. This guide is meant to help you understand who typically qualifies, what income guidelines and household factors matter, and how to move forward through official channels in your state.

What LIHEAP Is (and What It Usually Covers)

LIHEAP is designed to help low-income households keep essential energy services on. Depending on your state and local rules, LIHEAP may help with:

• Regular heating or cooling assistance (for a season or specific time period)
• Crisis or emergency help, such as:
  • Disconnection notices
  • Past-due balances
  • Empty fuel tanks (oil, propane, kerosene)
• Energy-related repairs or weatherization referrals (in some locations)

Payments usually go directly to your energy provider, not to you. The exact benefit amount, timing, and rules vary by state and sometimes by county.

To see what’s available where you live, you would typically contact your state or local LIHEAP office, human services department, or community action agency.

Key LIHEAP Eligibility Factors at a Glance

Most states look at a similar set of basics to decide if you qualify:

• Household income (compared to federal or state income limits)
• Household size (how many people live with you)
• Responsibility for energy costs (whether you pay the utility or fuel bill)
• Residency (you live in the state where you’re applying)
• Citizenship or eligible immigration status (varies by state rules)
• Vulnerability factors like:
  • Age (older adults)
  • Disability status
  • Young children in the home
• Utility situation:
  • Disconnection notice
  • In shutoff status or already disconnected
  • Running out of fuel

Each state sets its own specific income limits and priorities, within federal guidelines. That means someone who qualifies in one state might not qualify in another, even with the same income.

Income Guidelines: What “Low Income” Means for LIHEAP

How Income Limits Are Usually Set

Most states base LIHEAP income rules on a percentage of:

• Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG), or
• State Median Income (SMI), or
• A combination of both

States commonly use an income cutoff somewhere between 150% of the federal poverty level and 60% of state median income, but the exact numbers change year to year and differ by state.

Because of this, it’s important to check the current LIHEAP income chart for your state through:

• Your state’s official LIHEAP website
• Your local human services office
• A community action agency that handles LIHEAP applications

What Counts as Income for LIHEAP?

Most programs look at gross income (before taxes) for all adult household members. Common income sources that may be counted include:

• Wages and salaries (full-time, part-time, seasonal)
• Self-employment income (after allowed business expenses)
• Unemployment benefits
• Social Security retirement
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Pensions and retirement income
• Veterans’ benefits
• Child support received
• Some types of rental or investment income

Some states exclude certain income sources or handle them differently (for example, specific veterans’ benefits, student aid, or one-time payments). Because this varies, it’s important to ask your local LIHEAP office which income sources they count.

Income Review Period

States usually look at income for a specific time frame, such as:

• The last 30 days
• The last 3 months
• The last 12 months

Your state will tell you which period they use. This matters if your income changes seasonally, or if you recently lost a job.

Household Size: Who Is Counted in Your LIHEAP Household?

Your household size is a major factor in your income eligibility. LIHEAP usually counts everyone who lives with you and shares the home as a primary residence, even if not related.

People often included:

• You (the applicant)
• Your spouse or partner
• Children living in the home
• Other relatives (parents, siblings, grandparents) who live with you
• Non-relatives (roommates) who share the housing unit, depending on how your state defines a household

Some states treat households with separate rental arrangements (like roomers or subtenants) differently, especially if each person has a separate utility account. If your situation is unusual (roommates, shared bills, separate meters), it’s best to clarify with your local LIHEAP or human services office.

Basic LIHEAP Eligibility Checklist

While details vary by state, you are more likely to qualify if:

• Your household income is below your state’s LIHEAP limit for your household size
• You are responsible for paying home energy costs, either:
  • You have a utility bill in your name, or
  • You buy bulk fuel (oil, propane, wood, kerosene), or
  • Energy costs are included in rent but clearly specified
• You live in the state where you are applying
• At least one person in the household is a U.S. citizen or has eligible immigration status, as required by state rules
• You have high energy bills, a shutoff notice, or other signs of energy hardship

Some states also give preference or priority to:

• Seniors (often 60 or 65+)
• People with disabilities
• Households with young children (such as under 5 or under 6)
• Very low-income households or those in crisis

Typical LIHEAP Eligibility Factors vs. Income: Quick Summary

Below is a simple summary of how income and household factors often interact in LIHEAP eligibility. Exact rules vary by state.

Special Household Situations That Affect LIHEAP

1. Renters vs. Homeowners

Both renters and homeowners can generally qualify for LIHEAP if they meet income and other rules.

• Homeowners:

  • Usually apply based on their own utility or fuel bills
  • May sometimes access furnace repair or replacement help, depending on the state

• Renters:

  • Can typically apply whether utilities are in their own name or included in rent, but rules differ
  • Some states require proof that you pay for heat or cooling as part of rent
  • For subsidized or public housing, special rules may apply

If your landlord controls the heat or the bill isn’t in your name, you may need extra documentation, like a lease showing utilities included in rent or a letter from the landlord.

2. Subsidized Housing or Public Housing

If you live in:

• Public housing
• Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher
• Other subsidized housing

You may still qualify for LIHEAP, but your state may calculate eligibility differently, especially if utilities are already subsidized or included in your rent.

Your housing authority or local LIHEAP office can explain how the rules apply to you.

3. Multiple Families in One Household

If two or more families share one address:

• Some states treat the entire group as one household
• Others may allow residents to be separate households if:
  • They pay rent separately
  • They have separate utility accounts
  • They don’t share income

You may be asked to explain how costs are split and who is responsible for the energy bill.

Documents You May Need for LIHEAP

Having documents ready can make the LIHEAP process smoother. Requirements vary, but you can often expect to need:

Proof of identity and residency

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or other accepted ID)
• Social Security numbers for household members, if required by your state
• Proof of address, such as:
  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Utility bill with your name and address
  • Official mail from a government agency

Proof of income

For each adult household member, you may be asked for:

• Recent pay stubs (e.g., last 4 weekly, last 2 bi-weekly, or last 30 days)
• Unemployment benefit letters
• Social Security or SSDI award letters
• Pension statements
• Child support documentation
• Self-employment records, such as:
  • Profit and loss statement
  • Recent tax return

Proof of energy costs

• Recent utility bill(s) (electric, gas, or other service)
• Fuel receipts or delivery invoices (oil, propane, kerosene, wood)
• Disconnection or shutoff notice, if you have one
• Lease showing utilities included in rent, if applicable

Some offices may also ask about:

• Number and ages of household members
• Disability status or health-related energy needs (for prioritization only, not medical treatment)

Where and How People Typically Apply for LIHEAP

How you apply depends on your state and county. LIHEAP is not handled through HowToGetAssistance.org.

Applications are usually accepted by:

• State or county human services departments
• Local LIHEAP agencies
• Community action agencies
• Tribal LIHEAP offices (for members of federally recognized tribes)

Common ways to apply:

1. Online application portal

   • Many states have an official benefits website where you can submit LIHEAP forms electronically.
   • Look for links on your state’s official government website or human services page.

2. In-person application

   • Through your local LIHEAP office, community action agency, or county human services office.
   • This can be helpful if you need assistance filling out forms or copying documents.

3. Phone or mail

   • Some programs let you call the LIHEAP hotline to request a paper application.
   • You may be able to mail or drop off your documents.

If you’re not sure where to start, you can dial 211 in many areas to ask for the official LIHEAP contact in your community.

What Happens After You Apply

Once you submit your application through an official office or portal, the typical steps are:

1. Eligibility review

   • Staff verify your identity, income, household size, and energy costs.
   • They may contact you if something is missing or unclear.

2. Approval or denial decision

   • If approved, you are usually told:
     • What type of assistance you’re getting (regular, crisis, or both)
     • How much will be paid
     • Which bill or account the payment is going to

3. Payment processing

   • Payments often go directly to your energy provider.
   • This may take several days to several weeks, depending on your state and time of year.

4. Notice of decision

   • You typically receive a letter, email, or portal message stating whether you’re approved or denied, and why.

If your situation is an emergency (e.g., shutoff notice or no heat in extreme weather), tell the office that you may need crisis or expedited assistance. Many states have faster processing for genuine emergencies, within available funding.

Common Reasons LIHEAP Applications Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding typical problems can help you avoid setbacks:

• Incomplete application

  • Missing signatures
  • Unanswered questions

• Missing or unclear documents

  • No recent pay stubs
  • Utility bill not included
  • Name or address mismatches

• Income above program limits

  • Household income is higher than your state’s current LIHEAP cutoff

• Not responsible for home energy costs

  • You don’t pay for heat or utilities directly and do not qualify under your state’s “utilities included in rent” rules

• Out-of-state residence

  • Applying in a state where you do not live

• Funding limitations

  • In some places, programs may pause intake or waitlist applicants if funds are low or exhausted.

If you’re denied, the notice from the official LIHEAP office should tell you the reason and any next steps.

If You Disagree with a LIHEAP Decision: Appeals and Reviews

Most states offer an appeal or fair hearing process if:

• Your application is denied
• You believe your benefit amount is wrong
• You think there was a mistake in how your case was handled

Typical steps include:

1. Read the decision letter carefully

   • Look for deadlines; you may have a limited time to request an appeal (for example, 10–30 days).

2. Request an appeal or fair hearing

   • Follow the instructions in the letter. You may need to:
     • Submit a written request
     • Call an appeal or hearing unit
     • Visit your local office

3. Prepare your information

   • Gather:
     • Copies of your application and documents
     • Your denial or approval notice
     • Any information that shows income, household size, or bills were miscalculated

4. Attend the review or hearing (if scheduled)

   • You may be able to present your side, submit new documents, or explain your situation.

You can ask the local LIHEAP office, legal aid organizations, or community agencies in your area for help understanding the appeal process.

If You Don’t Qualify for LIHEAP or Need More Help

If you’re over income, denied, or LIHEAP funds are not available, there may be other options:

• Utility company assistance programs

  • Many energy providers offer:
    • Payment plans
    • Budget billing or levelized payments
    • Company-funded hardship programs
  • Call your utility’s customer service and ask about bill assistance or hardship programs.

• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

  • A separate federal program that helps reduce energy costs through:
    • Insulation
    • Air sealing
    • Furnace repairs or replacements (in some cases)
  • Often accessed through the same local agencies that handle LIHEAP.

• Local charities and faith-based organizations

  • Some churches, nonprofits, and community groups offer:
    • One-time bill assistance
    • Fuel vouchers
    • Gift cards or emergency funds

• 211 or local information lines

  • Calling 211 in many regions can connect you with:
    • Verified local assistance programs
    • Shelter or warming/cooling centers
    • Emergency resources during extreme weather

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official LIHEAP Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Because energy assistance is in high demand, it’s wise to verify that you’re working with real LIHEAP or official partner agencies.

Here are practical ways to do that:

• Check the website address

  • Official state websites usually end in “.gov”.
  • Tribal programs may use official tribal domains.
  • Community action agencies and nonprofits will typically be listed by your state as LIHEAP partners.

• Call a known public number

  • Use the phone number from:
    • Your state or county government directory
    • The back of your utility bill (for referrals)
    • 211 (for the correct LIHEAP contact)

• Be cautious with fees

  • LIHEAP applications are generally free.
  • Be wary of anyone asking for payment just to apply or to “guarantee” approval.

• Protect your personal information

  • Only share Social Security numbers, bank details, or ID documents with:
    • Verified government offices
    • Official program partners you have confirmed through a government listing.

Remember, HowToGetAssistance.org does not process applications, take payments, or approve benefits. Your state or local LIHEAP office is the official source for eligibility decisions and application processing.

By understanding income guidelines, household size rules, and common eligibility factors, you can be better prepared when you contact the official LIHEAP office in your area. Gathering your documents ahead of time and confirming you’re using a legitimate government or partner agency can help you move through the process more confidently.