LIHEAP income limits depend on your household size and your state
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy information Program) sets income thresholds that vary by state and by how many people live in your home. There is no single national number. Your state's energy office decides its own limit, which must fall between 150% and 60% of your state's median household income — meaning a family of four might have a limit of $2,500 per month in one state and $1,800 in another.
The limit is based on gross household income, which means income before taxes are taken out. It includes wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other money coming into your home. Some income types are excluded — for example, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not counted in most states, and some programs do not count student loan disbursements.
You need to find your specific state's limit because that is the number that matters for your household. Your state's LIHEAP office publishes this limit each year, usually in September or October when the heating season begins.
Key Takeaways
- LIHEAP income limits are set by each state and range from 150% down to 60% of that state's median household income, so the same family size has different limits in different states.
- Income limits are based on gross household income before taxes, and include wages, Social Security, unemployment, and child support, though some income types like SSI are excluded in most states.
- Your state's LIHEAP office publishes the exact income limit for each household size, usually when the heating season starts in fall.
- If your household income is at or below your state's limit, you may move forward in the process, though income is only one factor programs consider.
How to find your state's specific income limit
Start by going to the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) office website for your state, or call your state's energy office directly. The National Energy information Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327 can tell you which office to contact in your state and may have the current limit on hand.
When you call or visit, have your household size ready — that is the number of people living in your home who share income and expenses. Ask for the current income limit for that household size. Most states post this information online, but calling is faster if you need the answer today.
Some states also publish income limits in a table format on their website, broken down by household size from one person up to six or more. If you find a table, look at the row for your household size and the column for the current program year.
What counts as household income for LIHEAP
Gross income includes all money your household receives before any deductions. This covers wages from employment, self-employment income, Social Security retirement or disability benefits, unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, child support and alimony, pensions, rental income, and interest or dividends. If someone in your household receives it regularly, it almost certainly counts.
Some income does not count. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is excluded in most states. Student loan disbursements, tax refunds, and one-time payments like insurance settlements typically do not count. Some states also exclude foster care payments or adoption subsidies. The rules vary, so ask your state program which exclusions explore.
Income is usually calculated as a monthly average over the past 30 days, or sometimes over the past 12 months if your income varies a lot. If you are self-employed or have seasonal work, bring documentation showing your typical monthly income — tax returns, pay stubs, or bank statements help prove what you actually earn.
What happens if your income is above the limit
If your household income exceeds your state's LIHEAP limit, you do not move forward in that program. However, this does not mean you have no options. Some states run separate programs for households above the LIHEAP limit but still struggling with energy costs — these are sometimes called "crisis" programs or "emergency" information funds, and they have higher income thresholds.
You can also explore other information: weatherization programs often have higher income limits and focus on making your home more energy-efficient so your bills drop. Community action agencies sometimes run their own energy programs with different rules. Call 211 or your local housing authority to ask what programs serve households at your income level.
Income limits for different household sizes
LIHEAP programs count household size as the number of people living in your home who share income and expenses. A child born during the program year counts as a household member. Unrelated people living with you count if they share food and living expenses. A roommate who pays their own share of rent and buys their own food typically does not count.
Most states publish income limits for household sizes from one person up to six or more. If your household is larger than six, ask your state program what the limit is — some use a formula that adds a set amount per additional person, while others cap the table at six.
| Household Size | What This Means |
|---|---|
| 1 | One person living alone |
| 2 | Two people sharing income and expenses (couple, parent and child, two roommates with shared costs) |
| 3 | Three people sharing income and expenses |
| 4 | Four people sharing income and expenses |
| 5+ | Five or more people sharing income and expenses; ask your state program for the exact limit |
When income limits change
LIHEAP income limits are set once per program year, which usually runs from October through September. Your state announces the new limits in late summer or early fall. If your income changes during the year, you do not automatically lose your place in line — most programs use the income level from when you first applied. If you are denied because your income was too high, you can reapply the following program year if your income has dropped.
Some states allow you to report a change in income if you lose a job or have a major drop in earnings. Call your state's LIHEAP office to ask whether they will reconsider your case if your circumstances have changed since you applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my spouse's income count if we are separated but still married?
Yes, in most states. LIHEAP counts the income of anyone living in your home, and legally married people are counted as one household even if separated. If you are divorced or legally separated, your ex-spouse's income does not count. Ask your state program about your specific situation if you are unsure of your marital status for LIHEAP purposes.
What if I just lost my job and my income dropped?
Contact your state's LIHEAP office and explain the change. Some programs will reconsider your case if you were denied for income but have now fallen below the limit. Bring documentation of your job loss — a termination letter, final pay stub, or unemployment benefits notice — to show your new income level.
Do I have to report my income every month?
No. LIHEAP uses the income level from your process to determine whether you meet the limit. You do not have to report monthly changes unless your state program asks you to. However, if you experience a major drop in income after you explore, you can contact your program to see if they will reconsider your case.
Is child support I receive counted as income?
Yes, child support is counted as gross household income for LIHEAP in all states. Alimony is also counted. If you receive these payments, include them when you calculate your household income.
What if my income is right at the limit?
If your income equals your state's limit, you meet the income requirement. You move forward to the next step, which usually involves providing proof of your heating or cooling costs and your residency. Meeting the income limit does not may provide you will receive information, but it means you are not disqualified on income grounds.