Learn About LIHEAP Programs and Requirements

What LIHEAP Is and How It Works

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is a federally funded initiative created to help households with low incomes pay their heating and cooling bills. The program began in 1981 and has been operating for over four decades. LIHEAP provides money to states, territories, and tribal organizations that then distribute funds directly to households struggling to afford energy costs.

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LIHEAP operates differently than many other assistance programs because it does not provide money directly to individuals. Instead, states receive federal funding and set their own rules about how the program works within their borders. This means the program structure, income limits, and benefit amounts vary significantly depending on where you live. In some states, funds go directly to utility companies on behalf of households. In others, households receive vouchers or checks to pay their energy bills themselves.

The program covers both heating and cooling assistance. During winter months, LIHEAP can help pay for natural gas, heating oil, propane, wood, coal, or electric heating. During summer months, some states offer cooling assistance to help pay for air conditioning and fans. The program also may cover weatherization services—improvements to homes like insulation, air sealing, or furnace repairs—that make homes more energy efficient and reduce heating and cooling costs over time.

As of 2024, LIHEAP serves millions of households each year. The federal government allocated approximately $4.7 billion to LIHEAP for fiscal year 2024, though this amount can shift based on congressional appropriations. Each state receives a portion of this funding based on population, climate, and energy costs in that region. States like New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas, which have cold winters or hot summers and large populations, typically receive larger allocations.

Practical Takeaway: LIHEAP is a real program with substantial federal funding that operates in every state and U.S. territory. The specific rules, benefit amounts, and application processes vary by location, so information specific to your state matters more than general national information.

Understanding LIHEAP Participation Requirements

Each state sets its own rules about who can receive LIHEAP assistance, but all states follow federal guidelines that establish minimum standards. The most important requirement across all states is household income. Households must have incomes below a certain threshold—typically between 130% and 200% of the federal poverty line, though this varies by state and sometimes by season. For reference, in 2024, 130% of the federal poverty line for a family of three was approximately $28,470 annually.

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Income limits change based on household size. A single person has a lower income limit than a family of four. Some states also adjust their income limits seasonally—using higher limits during winter heating season when demand is greater. This means a household might not meet requirements during one season but could during another. Most states count gross income, which includes wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, disability payments, and child support. Some states exclude certain income sources or allow deductions for expenses, but these policies differ widely.

Another standard requirement is that the household must have a heating or cooling cost. This seems straightforward, but it matters because the program is specifically for paying energy bills. Households that own their homes outright and have paid-off solar systems, for example, might not have energy bills to pay. Additionally, households in public housing where the landlord pays utilities sometimes cannot participate because they do not directly pay energy costs.

Many states have additional requirements beyond income and energy costs. Common requirements include: the household must occupy the home as their primary residence; at least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen; the household cannot be receiving LIHEAP assistance from another state simultaneously; and households may need to provide proof of their identity, income, and residency. Some states prioritize assistance for households with elderly members, people with disabilities, or families with young children, meaning these households may have better chances of receiving funds when demand exceeds available resources.

States handle the application process differently. Some states run their own intake offices. Others contract with community action agencies or nonprofit organizations to take applications. A small number of states now use online portals, though paper applications remain available everywhere. The application process typically requires documentation of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit award letters), proof of residency (utility bills, lease agreements), and identification.

Practical Takeaway: Income limits are the primary requirement, but states add their own rules. Before exploring the program further, locate your state's specific LIHEAP requirements, as these determine whether your household might fit within that state's framework.

Income Limits and How States Calculate Them

LIHEAP income limits are expressed as a percentage of the federal poverty line. The federal poverty line changes each year based on inflation. In 2024, the federal poverty line for a household of four was $31,200. States then multiply this amount by a percentage—typically between 130% and 200%—to set their income limit. A state using 150% of the poverty line would set its limit at $46,800 for a family of four.

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Why do states use different percentages? Federal regulations allow this flexibility because energy costs and living expenses vary by region. Cold northern states that need six months of heating assistance per year may set higher income limits because they serve a larger portion of the population relative to available funding. Warmer states with lower heating costs might use lower percentages. Each state makes this choice based on their specific needs and resources.

Income limits also vary by household size. Here is how a typical state's 2024 limits might look at 150% of poverty:

• Single person: approximately $17,880 per year
• Family of two: approximately $24,180 per year
• Family of three: approximately $30,480 per year
• Family of four: approximately $36,780 per year
• Family of five: approximately $43,680 per year
• Family of six: approximately $49,980 per year

Knowing your gross household income is important, but understanding what counts as income is equally important. Most LIHEAP programs count: wages and salaries; self-employment income; Social Security benefits; Supplemental Security Income (SSI); unemployment insurance; workers' compensation; disability payments; pension and retirement account distributions; child support and alimony; rental income; and interest from savings. Some states count food stamps or other benefits; others do not. Several states allow deductions for work-related expenses, childcare costs, or medical expenses before comparing household income to the limit.

A practical example: suppose you are a single parent with one child, earning $1,800 per month from work and receiving $400 per month in child support. Your gross household income is $2,200 per month or $26,400 per year. If your state's LIHEAP income limit for a household of two is $27,270 (at 150% of poverty), your household income falls within the program's framework. However, if your state is at 130% of poverty with a limit of $23,634, you would exceed the limit and would not meet this requirement in that state.

Practical Takeaway: Calculate your household's gross annual income before exploring your state's program, and then verify your state's specific income limits and definitions of income, as these directly determine whether you meet this core requirement.

What LIHEAP Can Pay For and Benefit Amounts

LIHEAP assistance covers utility bills and energy-related services, but the specific items covered and the amounts available vary significantly by state. Understanding what your state's program covers helps you understand what support might be available to your household.

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Primary heating and cooling costs are standard across all states. This includes natural gas, heating oil, propane, electricity for heating, and other direct heating fuels. During winter, most states prioritize heating assistance because heating is often essential for safety and health. During summer, roughly half of the states offer cooling assistance to help pay for air conditioning and fans. Some states offer year-round assistance, while others have distinct heating and cooling seasons.

Beyond direct utility payments, many states cover weatherization services—home improvements that reduce energy consumption and lower bills long-term. Common weatherization services funded through LIHEAP include:

• Air sealing to close gaps around windows, doors, and penetrations
• Insulation installation in