Pennsylvania's LIHEAP income limits change each year

Pennsylvania's Low Income Home Energy information Program (LIHEAP) sets a maximum monthly income you cannot exceed to be considered. The limit depends on your household size and is updated annually, usually in October. For the current program year, you can contact your local LIHEAP office or call 1-800-692-7000 to learn the exact threshold for your household.

The income limit is based on 60 percent of your state's median income. Because this calculation changes yearly and varies by family size, the dollar amount you see this year will not necessarily be the same next year. Pennsylvania publishes these limits on its Department of Human Services website, but the fastest way to know whether your household falls within the limit is to ask your local program directly — they have the current numbers and can tell you in one conversation.

Key Takeaways

  • Pennsylvania LIHEAP income limits are set at 60 percent of the state median income and change each program year.
  • The limit is different for each household size, so a family of three has a higher threshold than a single person.
  • Your local LIHEAP office or the statewide hotline at 1-800-692-7000 can tell you the current limit for your household size in minutes.
  • Income limits are usually updated in October, so if you were over the limit last year, you may fall within it this year.

How household size affects your income limit

A larger household is allowed a higher total monthly income. A single person has a lower threshold than a family of four, for example. This is because the program assumes that more people in a home means more expenses and lower income per person.

When you contact your local LIHEAP office, tell them how many people live in your household and receive income from the same source. They will tell you the exact limit for your family size. If you are unsure whether to count someone — a grown child living with you, a parent, a partner — ask. The program has specific rules about who counts as part of your household, and getting this right matters for whether you fall within the limit.

What counts as income for LIHEAP purposes

LIHEAP counts most money coming into your household as income. This includes wages from a job, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and pension payments. It also includes money from roommates or other household members, even if they are not related to you.

Some income does not count. For example, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is often excluded, and some programs do not count the first $65 of unearned income per person. The rules vary slightly, so when you contact your local office, tell them what sources of income your household has. They will tell you which ones count toward your limit and which do not.

How to find your local LIHEAP office

Pennsylvania runs LIHEAP through county information offices. You can reach the statewide hotline at 1-800-692-7000 to find the office serving your county. You can also visit the Department of Human Services website and search by county name to find the local office phone number and address.

When you call, have your household size and income sources ready. The staff member can tell you the current income limit, explain which income counts, and tell you what documents you will need to bring if you want to move forward. Many offices also accept information over the phone, so you may not need to visit in person.

Income limits versus benefit amounts

The income limit determines whether you can receive LIHEAP at all. If your household income is above the limit, you do not meet the basic requirement, regardless of how much you need help. If your income is below the limit, you may be considered for the program, but the amount of help you receive depends on other factors — your heating costs, your income level within the limit, and available funding.

A household just barely under the limit may receive a smaller benefit than a household with much lower income. The program prioritizes households with the greatest need, so income is one piece of the picture. Your local office can explain how your specific income level would affect the benefit amount if you fall within the limit.

What happens if your income changes during the year

If your income drops during the program year, you may become may be able to access even if you were over the limit when you first checked. If your income rises, you may lose may be able to access. LIHEAP programs typically check income at the time you first contact them, but some programs recertify households during the year if circumstances change.

If you experience a job loss, a reduction in hours, or another change in income, contact your local LIHEAP office. They can tell you whether the change affects your may be able to access and whether you need to provide new income documentation. Do not assume you are ineligible based on old information — your situation may have changed enough to bring you within the limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the income limit the same across all of Pennsylvania?

No. While the limit is based on the same state median income calculation, it varies by household size. A family of two has a different limit than a family of five. All Pennsylvania counties use the same income limits for the same household sizes, but the dollar amount changes each program year.

What if my income is seasonal or irregular?

LIHEAP typically looks at your average monthly income over the past 30 days or the past year, depending on the income type. If you have seasonal work, bring documentation showing your typical annual income, and the program will calculate your average. Tell your local office about the irregular pattern so they can review the right documents.

Do I need to report my spouse's income if we are not married?

If you live together and share expenses, your partner's income usually counts as household income for LIHEAP purposes. If you live separately or do not share finances, ask your local office whether their income must be included. The rules depend on your living arrangement and how the program defines your household.

Can I still receive LIHEAP if I am over the income limit by a small amount?

No. The income limit is a firm threshold — if your household income exceeds it, you do not meet the basic requirement for the program. However, limits change yearly, so if you are slightly over this year, you may fall within the limit next program year. Contact your local office in the fall to check the updated limits.