What Is LIHEAP and Who Qualifies in 2026?
LIHEAP — the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — is a federally funded program that helps low-income households manage the cost of heating and cooling their homes. Administered by each state, LIHEAP can pay a portion of your heating bill (natural gas, electric, oil, propane, wood), your summer cooling bill (electric air conditioning), or both, depending on where you live.
In 2026, most states set the income cutoff at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, though some states go as high as 60% of state median income. Recipients of SNAP, SSI, or TANF are automatically income-eligible in most states. Beyond regular seasonal help, LIHEAP also funds crisis assistance — expedited help for households with a shut-off notice or a broken furnace — typically processed within 18 to 48 hours. Some state programs also offer a weatherization component that pairs with the federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) to permanently reduce your energy costs.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (150% FPL) | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,819 | $21,828 |
| 2 people | $2,463 | $29,556 |
| 3 people | $3,107 | $37,284 |
| 4 people | $3,750 | $45,000 |
| 5 people | $4,394 | $52,728 |
| 6 people | $5,038 | $60,456 |
| 7 people | $5,681 | $68,172 |
| 8 people | $6,325 | $75,900 |
| Each add'l person | +$644 | +$7,728 |