LIHEAP income limits depend on your state and household size

There is no single national income limit for LIHEAP. Each state sets its own threshold based on federal guidelines, and the limit changes depending on how many people live in your household. Most states use 150% of the federal poverty line as their cutoff, but some go as high as 200%, and a few use different measures entirely.

Your state's LIHEAP program will tell you the exact limit when you contact them or visit their website. The limit is usually posted as a chart showing the maximum monthly income for households of different sizes — for example, one person, two people, three people, and so on. If your household income falls below that number, you may be considered for the program.

Income limits also shift each year because the federal poverty line itself changes annually. This means a household that was over the limit last year might fall within it this year, or vice versa. When you reach out to your state program, ask for the current year's limits to make sure you have the right numbers.

Key Takeaways

  • LIHEAP income limits are set by each state and based on household size, not a single national number.
  • Most states use 150% of the federal poverty line, but some states allow up to 200% or use different thresholds.
  • Your state's LIHEAP office publishes the exact income limit for each household size every year.
  • Income limits change each year when the federal poverty line is updated, so check your state's current limits before contacting them.

How states calculate their LIHEAP income limits

States receive federal LIHEAP funding but have flexibility in how they set their own rules. The federal government provides a baseline — usually tied to the poverty line — but states can choose to be more or less restrictive. A state might decide that households earning up to 150% of poverty may have access to, while another state sets the bar at 200%. A few states use a different measure, such as a percentage of the state median income instead.

When you look up your state's limit, you will see it expressed as a monthly or annual income figure. For example, a state might say a single person with a monthly income of $1,500 or less can be considered, while a family of four with a monthly income of $3,100 or less can be considered. These numbers reflect that state's chosen threshold applied to the current federal poverty line.

What counts as income for LIHEAP purposes

LIHEAP programs count most forms of income: wages from employment, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, pension payments, and rental income all typically count. Some programs also count income from roommates or other household members, depending on the state.

A few types of income may not count or may be treated differently. Some states exclude certain one-time payments, tax refunds, or money received as a loan. Your state program can tell you whether a specific income source counts toward the limit. If you are unsure, list everything when you contact them — they will sort out what applies.

How household size affects your income limit

The larger your household, the higher your income limit will be. A single person has a lower threshold than a family of five, because more people in the home means more expenses and a higher poverty line. LIHEAP programs define household size to include anyone living with you who shares income or expenses, which usually means family members and sometimes roommates.

When you contact your state program, they will ask how many people live in your household. Make sure you count correctly — including someone who should not be counted can push you over the limit, and leaving someone out can cause problems later if the program verifies your information.

Income limits vary significantly by state

Because states set their own thresholds, a household with the same income might be within the limit in one state and over it in another. For example, a family of four earning $2,500 per month might fall within the limit in a state using 200% of poverty but exceed it in a state using 130%. There is no way to know without checking your specific state's numbers.

Your state's LIHEAP office publishes these limits on their website or will provide them over the phone. Many states also post them on their energy information or social services department page. If you cannot find them online, call your state program directly — they can tell you in minutes whether your household income falls within range.

What happens if your income is slightly over the limit

If your household income exceeds your state's LIHEAP limit, you will not be considered for that program. However, some states have separate or emergency funds with higher limits, or they may have other energy information programs run by nonprofits or utilities. Your state LIHEAP office can point you toward alternatives if you are just over the threshold.

It is also worth checking whether your income limit will change soon. If your income is expected to drop — for example, if you are about to retire or lose a job — you might fall within the limit in the coming months. Some programs allow you to reapply once your circumstances change.

How to find your state's current income limit

The fastest way is to contact your state LIHEAP program directly. You can find the phone number and website through the National Energy information Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327, or by searching "[your state] LIHEAP" online. When you call, have your household size ready and ask for the current income limit.

Many state programs also post income limits on their website as a straightforward chart or table. If you find the chart, look for your household size in the left column and read across to find the maximum monthly or annual income. If the numbers are listed as a percentage of poverty, you can also calculate it yourself using the federal poverty guidelines published each year by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my income limit include my spouse's income?

Yes, if your spouse lives with you, their income counts toward the household total. LIHEAP programs combine the income of all household members when determining whether you fall within the limit. If you are married but file taxes separately or live apart, ask your state program how they handle that situation.

What if my income varies month to month?

Most programs use an average of your recent income — often the last 30 or 60 days — rather than a single month. If you have variable income from self-employment or seasonal work, bring recent pay stubs or tax documents showing your typical earnings. The program will calculate an average to compare against the limit.

Can I be denied LIHEAP just because my income is over the limit?

Yes. Income limits are a threshold requirement. If your household income exceeds your state's limit, you will not be considered for LIHEAP, regardless of other factors. However, you may be able to turn to other programs, so ask your state office what alternatives exist for households over the income limit.

Do child support payments count as income?

Yes, child support you receive counts as income for LIHEAP purposes. Child support you pay out typically does not reduce your countable income, though some states may handle this differently. Ask your state program how they treat child support in your specific situation.

When do income limits change?

Income limits are updated once per year, usually in the fall or early winter, when the federal poverty line is updated. Your state program will announce the new limits for the coming year. If you were over the limit last year, it is worth checking again in the new year to see if the updated threshold now includes you.