Income Limits for LIHEAP by State and How They Work
How LIHEAP income limits work
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) sets income limits based on your household size and your state. The limit is usually between 130% and 200% of the federal poverty line, depending on where you live. This means a household that earns more in one state might still may have access to in another state with a higher limit.
Your state's energy office administers LIHEAP and sets its own limit within federal guidelines. Because limits vary by state and can change year to year, you cannot know whether you may have access to without checking your specific state's current numbers. The income limit is the first gate: if your household income exceeds it, you do not move forward in the process, regardless of your heating or cooling costs.
Income includes wages, Social Security, SSI, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other regular money coming into the household. Some states count child support differently or exclude certain types of income, so the definition matters when you are close to the limit.
Key Takeaways
- LIHEAP income limits range from roughly 130% to 200% of the federal poverty line and differ by state, so you must check your state's specific number.
- Your state's energy office or LIHEAP program administrator publishes current income limits, usually on their website or through 211.
- Income includes wages, Social Security, SSI, unemployment, and child support, though some states treat certain income sources differently.
- If your household income exceeds your state's limit, you do not may have access to for LIHEAP, but some states have separate programs for households just above the LIHEAP threshold.
Finding your state's current income limit
Your state's energy office publishes its LIHEAP income limit on its website. Search "[your state] LIHEAP income limit" or "[your state] energy assistance income limit" to find the official page. The limit is usually shown as a table with household sizes down the left side and the maximum annual income across the top.
If you cannot find it online, call 211 (a free referral line) and ask for your state's LIHEAP income limit. They can tell you the number for your household size in seconds and can also tell you whether your state's program is currently open to new households. Many states close their programs once funds run out and reopen in the fall.
Some states post limits that are several months old. If the limit you find is dated more than six months ago, call your state energy office directly to confirm it has not changed. Federal poverty guidelines update each year in January, so state limits sometimes shift then.
What counts as household income
Household income includes all money earned or received by people living in your home. This covers wages from employment, Social Security retirement or disability benefits, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), unemployment insurance, child support, alimony, pensions, and regular gifts or money from family members outside the household.
Most states do not count one-time payments like tax refunds, insurance settlements, or money from selling property. Some states exclude child support or count only part of it. A few states have special rules for people receiving SSI or SSDI — they may count only earned income, or they may exclude benefits altogether. Because these rules vary, ask your state program directly if you receive SSI, SSDI, or child support and are close to the limit.
Income is usually calculated as gross income (before taxes) over the past 30 days or the past 12 months, depending on your state. When you contact your state program, ask which period they use, because it can change whether you may have access to.
State-by-state income limits
The table below shows approximate LIHEAP income limits for a household of three in each state. These limits change yearly and vary by household size, so use this only as a rough reference. Your actual limit depends on your state, your household size, and the current year.
| State | Approximate Limit (Household of 3) | Where to Find Current Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Alabama LIHEAP" |
| Alaska | ~$40,000 | Call 211 or search "Alaska LIHEAP" |
| Arizona | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Arizona LIHEAP" |
| Arkansas | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Arkansas LIHEAP" |
| California | ~$32,000 | Call 211 or search "California LIHEAP" |
| Colorado | ~$32,000 | Call 211 or search "Colorado LIHEAP" |
| Connecticut | ~$36,000 | Call 211 or search "Connecticut LIHEAP" |
| Delaware | ~$32,000 | Call 211 or search "Delaware LIHEAP" |
| Florida | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Florida LIHEAP" |
| Georgia | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Georgia LIHEAP" |
| Hawaii | ~$36,000 | Call 211 or search "Hawaii LIHEAP" |
| Idaho | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Idaho LIHEAP" |
| Illinois | ~$32,000 | Call 211 or search "Illinois LIHEAP" |
| Indiana | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Indiana LIHEAP" |
| Iowa | ~$32,000 | Call 211 or search "Iowa LIHEAP" |
| Kansas | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Kansas LIHEAP" |
| Kentucky | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Kentucky LIHEAP" |
| Louisiana | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Louisiana LIHEAP" |
| Maine | ~$36,000 | Call 211 or search "Maine LIHEAP" |
| Maryland | ~$32,000 | Call 211 or search "Maryland LIHEAP" |
| Massachusetts | ~$40,000 | Call 211 or search "Massachusetts LIHEAP" |
| Michigan | ~$36,000 | Call 211 or search "Michigan LIHEAP" |
| Minnesota | ~$36,000 | Call 211 or search "Minnesota LIHEAP" |
| Mississippi | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Mississippi LIHEAP" |
| Missouri | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Missouri LIHEAP" |
| Montana | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Montana LIHEAP" |
| Nebraska | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Nebraska LIHEAP" |
| Nevada | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Nevada LIHEAP" |
| New Hampshire | ~$36,000 | Call 211 or search "New Hampshire LIHEAP" |
| New Jersey | ~$40,000 | Call 211 or search "New Jersey LIHEAP" |
| New Mexico | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "New Mexico LIHEAP" |
| New York | ~$40,000 | Call 211 or search "New York LIHEAP" |
| North Carolina | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "North Carolina LIHEAP" |
| North Dakota | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "North Dakota LIHEAP" |
| Ohio | ~$32,000 | Call 211 or search "Ohio LIHEAP" |
| Oklahoma | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Oklahoma LIHEAP" |
| Oregon | ~$32,000 | Call 211 or search "Oregon LIHEAP" |
| Pennsylvania | ~$36,000 | Call 211 or search "Pennsylvania LIHEAP" |
| Rhode Island | ~$40,000 | Call 211 or search "Rhode Island LIHEAP" |
| South Carolina | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "South Carolina LIHEAP" |
| South Dakota | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "South Dakota LIHEAP" |
| Tennessee | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Tennessee LIHEAP" |
| Texas | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Texas LIHEAP" |
| Utah | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Utah LIHEAP" |
| Vermont | ~$36,000 | Call 211 or search "Vermont LIHEAP" |
| Virginia | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Virginia LIHEAP" |
| Washington | ~$32,000 | Call 211 or search "Washington LIHEAP" |
| West Virginia | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "West Virginia LIHEAP" |
| Wisconsin | ~$36,000 | Call 211 or search "Wisconsin LIHEAP" |
| Wyoming | ~$28,000 | Call 211 or search "Wyoming LIHEAP" |
These figures are approximate and based on recent data. Your actual limit depends on your household size and the current year. Do not use this table to make a final decision about whether you may have access to. Contact your state program or call 211 to get your exact income limit.
What happens if you earn slightly more than the limit
If your household income exceeds your state's LIHEAP limit, you do not may have access to for LIHEAP itself. However, some states run separate energy assistance programs for households just above the LIHEAP threshold. These programs may have higher income limits or different rules. Call 211 or your state energy office to ask whether such a program exists in your state.
Some people also may have access to for other forms of energy help through community action agencies, utility company programs, or nonprofit organizations. These programs sometimes have different income limits or focus on specific needs like weatherization or emergency repairs. Your state energy office or 211 can tell you what else may be available.
How to report your income when you contact LIHEAP
When you contact your state LIHEAP program, have recent pay stubs, benefit statements, or tax returns ready. You will need to report gross income (before taxes) for all household members. If your income varies month to month, bring documentation from the past three to six months so the program can average it.
If you receive benefits like Social Security or SSI, bring a recent benefit statement showing the monthly amount. If you are self-employed or have irregular income, bring tax returns or bank statements. The program will tell you exactly what documents they need when you call or visit their website.
Be honest about all income sources. Underreporting income can disqualify you from LIHEAP and may trigger an investigation. If your income is borderline, ask the program how they calculate it — some programs round down or exclude certain income types, which might move you under the limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my disability benefit count as income for LIHEAP?
Yes, SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) both count as household income. Some states have special rules that exclude or partially exclude SSI, so call your state program to ask how they treat disability benefits. Bring your benefit statement when