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LIHEAP heating and cooling help

LIHEAP helps pay your heating or cooling bills, and can help in an energy emergency such as a shutoff. Your state, territory or tribe runs it and sets its own income limit within federal rules, so the name and the limit depend on where you live.

Checked

Rules set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
An older woman in a warm cardigan turns up the thermostat in her hallway

Rules in your state

Your state runs LIHEAP heating and cooling help, so the name, the limits and how to apply depend on where you live.

Who may qualify

Who may qualify for LIHEAP heating and cooling help
Highest income limit a state may set (federal rule)150% of the federal poverty level, or 60% of state median income if that's higher
Lowest income limit a state may set (federal rule)110% of the federal poverty level. A state can't turn you away for income below this.
You may also qualify if someone in your home getsSNAP, SSI, TANF or certain needs-based veterans' benefits

Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (source 1)

What you may get

What LIHEAP heating and cooling help pays
What it can help withHeating or cooling bills, and emergency help during an energy crisis. In some places, electric bills too.

Source: USAGov (U.S. General Services Administration) (source 2)

Who gets the most helpHouseholds with the lowest incomes and the highest energy costs compared with their income, taking family size into account

Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (source 1)

Good to know

  • Every state and territory has its own requirements. Some let you apply online; others ask you to apply in person.
  • To find your local office, USAGov links to a national LIHEAP office search tool.
  • States must reach out to households with older or disabled members so they know help is available.
  • Each state has its own rules on when a utility can shut off your power or gas. They may depend on the weather, your age or a disability.

Sources: USAGov (U.S. General Services Administration) (source 2), U.S. Government Publishing Office (source 1)

What people get wrong

  • MythI don't get SNAP or SSI, so I can't get LIHEAP.

    Not true. Federal law lets states help households based on income alone, not only people who already get SNAP, SSI or TANF.

  • MythEnergy help will cut my SNAP or count as income at tax time.

    Not true. Federal law says LIHEAP help doesn't count as income or savings for SNAP, taxes or other federal or state programs.

LIHEAP heating and cooling help in every state

LIHEAP heating and cooling help in each state
StateWhat it's calledIncome limit
AlabamaLIHEAP$1,995 a month for one person (150% of the federal poverty level)
AlaskaHeating Assistance Program (HAP)$3,739 a month for one person
ArizonaLIHEAP60% of the state median income for households of up to 9 people; 150% of the federal poverty level for 10 or more
ArkansasLIHEAP$2,347 a month for one person (based on state median income)
CaliforniaLIHEAP$3,331.66 a month for one person
ColoradoLow-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)60% of state median income, for every household size
ConnecticutConnecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)$48,714 a year for one person (60% of state median income)
DelawareDelaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP)$40,380 a year for one person (60% of state median income)
District of ColumbiaLIHEAP$63,024 a year for one person (60% of state median income)
FloridaLIHEAP$2,680 a month for one person
GeorgiaLIHEAPTotal gross yearly household income at or below 60% of Georgia's state median income
HawaiiHawaii Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP)$43,200 a year for one person (60% of state median income)
IdahoLIHEAP$2,736.25 a month for one person
IllinoisLIHEAP$3,990 in the 30 days before you apply, or $47,880 a year, for one person (300% of the federal poverty level)
IndianaEnergy Assistance Program (EAP)$2,796 a month, or $33,556 a year, for one person (60% of state median income)
IowaLIHEAP$31,920 a year for one person (200% of the federal poverty level)
KansasLow Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)$1,995 a month for one person (150% of the federal poverty level)
KentuckyLIHEAPAt or below 130% of the federal poverty level. The state page gives no dollar amounts.
LouisianaLIHEAP$30,618 a year for one person (60% of estimated state median income)
MaineHome Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)$38,070 a year ($3,173 a month) for one person
MarylandMaryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)$2,660 a month for one person (200% of the federal poverty level)
MassachusettsHome Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)$53,585 a year for one person (60% of state median income)
MichiganHome Heating Credit and State Emergency Relief (LIHEAP)110% of the federal poverty level
MinnesotaEnergy Assistance Program (EAP)50% of state median income
MississippiLIHEAPAt or below 60% of state median income for your household size
MissouriLIHEAP$2,942 a month for one person (60% of state median income)
MontanaLIHEAP$36,120 a year for one person (60% of state median income)
NebraskaLIHEAP$23,940 a year for one person (150% of the federal poverty level)
NevadaEnergy Assistance Program (EAP)$1,995 a month for one person (150% of the federal poverty level)
New HampshireFuel Assistance Program (FAP)$4,059 a month ($48,713 a year) for one person
New JerseyLIHEAP$4,273 a month for one person (60% of state median income)
New MexicoLIHEAP$1,995 a month for one person (150% of the federal poverty level)
New YorkHome Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)$3,563 a month for one person
North CarolinaLow Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)$1,956 a month for one person (150% of the federal poverty level)
North DakotaLIHEAP$3,446 a month for one person (60% of state median income)
OhioHome Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)175% of the federal poverty level for households of up to seven people
OklahomaLIHEAP$1,729 a month for one person (130% of the federal poverty level)
OregonLIHEAP$3,198.75 a month ($38,385 a year) for one person (60% of state median income)
PennsylvaniaLIHEAP$23,940 a year for one person (150% of the federal poverty level)
Rhode IslandLIHEAP$3,617 a month ($43,410 a year) for one person (60% of state median income)
South CarolinaLIHEAP$31,993 a year for one person (60% of state median income)
South DakotaLow Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)$7,825 in total gross income over the 3 months before you apply, for one person
TennesseeLIHEAP$32,861 a year for one person (60% of state median income)
TexasComprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)$23,940 a year for one person (150% of the federal poverty level)
UtahHome Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) Program (LIHEAP)$1,995 a month for one person (150% of the federal poverty level)
VermontSeasonal Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP)$2,461 a month for one person (185% of the federal poverty level)
VirginiaEnergy Assistance Program (EAP)$1,956 a month for one person (150% of the federal poverty level)
WashingtonLIHEAP$1,995 a month ($23,940 a year) for one person (150% of the federal poverty level)
West VirginiaLow Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)$2,550 a month for one person (60% of state median income)
WisconsinWisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)$3,322 a month ($39,864 a year) for one person (60% of state median income)
WyomingWyoming Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)$2,988 a month ($35,858 a year) for one person (60% of state median income)

Sources

  1. U.S. Government Publishing Office, 42 U.S.C. 8624, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance: applications and requirements (2023 edition) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  2. USAGov (U.S. General Services Administration), Get help with energy bills (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  3. U.S. Department of Energy, How to Apply for Weatherization Assistance (names HHS as LIHEAP's funder) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.

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