LIHEAP income limits depend on your household size and your state

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy information Program) sets a maximum income your household can earn and still be considered for help with heating or cooling costs. That limit is not the same everywhere. Each state receives federal money and sets its own income threshold, which means a household earning $2,500 a month might may have access to in one state and not in another.

Your state's limit is usually between 130% and 200% of the federal poverty line, depending on how much federal funding your state receives and how it chooses to distribute that money. The federal poverty line itself changes each year — in 2024, the poverty line for a single person was around $14,600 annually, and for a family of four it was around $30,000. Your state then multiplies that number by a percentage (130%, 150%, 200%, or somewhere in between) to get its LIHEAP cutoff.

Because limits vary by state, the only way to know whether your household income falls below your state's threshold is to check with your state's LIHEAP program directly or use your state's online income calculator if one is available.

Key Takeaways

  • LIHEAP income limits are set by each state and typically range from 130% to 200% of the federal poverty line.
  • The federal poverty line changes annually, so your state's LIHEAP limit also changes each year.
  • Household size matters — a family of four has a higher income limit than a single person.
  • Your state's LIHEAP program office or website is the only source that can tell you the exact limit for your household size in your state.
  • Income limits are separate from other program rules, such as which heating or cooling costs the program will cover.

How household size affects your income limit

LIHEAP counts everyone living in your home who shares expenses with you, including children, elderly relatives, and unrelated people. The more people in your household, the higher your income limit becomes. A state might set its limit at 150% of poverty, which means $21,900 annually for one person, but $45,000 for a family of four.

Some states count only people on the same lease or deed. Others count anyone who shares food and living expenses. Before you contact your state program, gather the names and birth dates of everyone in your household, because the program will ask you to list them and may ask for proof of residency or relationship.

What counts as income for LIHEAP purposes

LIHEAP counts most money your household receives, including wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and rental income. Some states also count money from retirement accounts or savings if you withdraw it. The program typically does not count one-time payments like tax refunds or insurance settlements, though rules vary by state.

Income is usually measured over the past 30 days or the past month, not the whole year. If you were laid off last month but are starting a new job next week, your income for the current month might be zero or very low, which could put you under the limit even if your annual income would be higher. Conversely, if you received a large one-time payment this month, some states will count it and some will not.

Ask your state program which types of income they count and over what time period. If your income fluctuates, tell the program — they may be able to use an average or may ask you to reapply later in the year if your circumstances change.

Income limits by state: where to find your number

Your state's LIHEAP program publishes its current income limit, usually on its website or in printed materials. The limit is often listed as a chart showing the maximum monthly or annual income for each household size. Some states update this information in the fall when the new federal poverty line is released; others update it at different times of year.

To find your state's limit, search for "[your state] LIHEAP income limit" or contact your state's energy information program directly. Many states also have a 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1) that can tell you the current limit and whether your household income falls below it. If you call, have your household size and recent pay stubs or benefit statements ready.

What happens if your income is above the limit

If your household income exceeds your state's LIHEAP limit, you are not considered for that program's help. Some states have waiting lists or seasonal programs that may have different income limits, so it is worth asking whether your state runs any other energy information programs. A few states run programs specifically for households earning between 150% and 200% of poverty, for example.

If LIHEAP is not an option, look into whether your utility company offers bill information, budget billing, or a low-income rate. Many electric and gas companies have their own programs separate from LIHEAP, and some do not have income limits at all — they base help on your bill amount or payment history instead.

When income limits change and how to stay informed

Federal poverty lines are released in January each year, and most states update their LIHEAP income limits shortly after. If your state's limit changes, it usually takes effect in the fall when the heating season begins, though some states change it in spring or summer. The change is rarely announced widely, so if you were turned down one year, it is worth checking again the following year.

Your state's LIHEAP program office should have a mailing list or email list you can join to receive updates about income limits, process important date, and program changes. Signing up takes a few minutes and ensures you will know if the limit changes in a way that affects your household.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to report my income every month, or just once when I explore?

Most states ask for income information only at the time you explore or recertify. If your income changes significantly after you are approved, tell your state program — they may ask you to reapply or may adjust your case. Some states require you to recertify every year.

If I'm on Social Security, does that count as income for LIHEAP?

Yes, Social Security is counted as income. The amount you receive each month is what your state program will use to determine whether you fall below the income limit. If you also receive wages or other benefits, those are added to your Social Security amount.

What if my spouse and I live together but file taxes separately — do both our incomes count?

Yes, if you live together and share expenses, both incomes are counted as household income, regardless of how you file taxes. LIHEAP looks at who lives in the home and shares costs, not at tax filing status.

Can I appeal if my income is just slightly above the limit?

Most states do not have an appeal process for income limits — the limit is set by law and applies to everyone. However, if you believe your income was calculated incorrectly, you can ask your state program to review the numbers. Some states also have emergency or crisis programs with different rules that you might explore.

If I get a job next month, will I lose LIHEAP help when ready?

Not necessarily. Most states approve you for a set period (often the heating season) based on your income at the time you explore. If you start earning more money after approval, your state program may let you keep the benefit through the end of that period. Ask your state program what happens if your income changes after you are approved.