As energy costs continue to rise, programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provide critical support for households struggling to manage heating and cooling expenses.
Administered through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), LIHEAP offers financial relief for qualified families who meet specific income, residency, and utility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for LIHEAP, households must meet the following criteria:
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Income Limits: Total household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
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Citizenship and Residency: Applicants must meet program rules for both citizenship and state residency.
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Utility Responsibility: The household must be responsible for paying home energy bills.
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Other Qualifications: Applicants cannot be otherwise disqualified under LIHEAP rules.
LIHEAP Maximum Allowable Income (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025)
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1 person: $22,590
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2 people: $30,660
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3 people: $38,730
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4 people: $46,800
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5 people: $54,870
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6 people: $62,940
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7 people: $71,010
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8 people: $79,080
For each additional household member, add $8,070.
It’s also important to note that certain LIHEAP services, such as Weatherization or Housing and Community Renewal Rental Assistance (HCRRA), may have slightly different eligibility requirements.
Services Provided by DHHS Through LIHEAP
1. Heating Assistance
Available October 1 to March 31, this one-time payment helps reduce winter heating bills by paying a portion directly to utility providers.
2. Cooling Assistance
Available June 1 to August 31, this one-time payment supports households with high cooling needs.
To qualify, in addition to meeting LIHEAP eligibility, the household must include:
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A child under age 6 receiving Aid to Dependent Children (ADC),
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An individual age 70 or older,
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Someone with a severe medical condition aggravated by extreme heat (verified by a licensed healthcare provider), or
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A member who received an air conditioner from DHHS within the past four years.
3. Crisis Assistance
Available year-round to address emergencies such as disconnection, deposits, or reconnect fees. Qualifying events include:
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Unexpected medical or household expenses,
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Permanent loss of work or wages,
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Death or departure of a primary wage earner, or
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Inability to work due to illness or injury.
You may have access to support you didn’t know about. Find out more here!
4. Furnace and Central Air Conditioner Repair/Replacement
Up to $750 in assistance is available for repair or replacement of heating or cooling systems.
Documentation and cost estimates are required, and households cannot have received this assistance in the past 60 months.
4. Window Air Conditioner Purchase Assistance
Helps cover the cost of a window air conditioner unit for eligible households, with the same 60-month restriction on repeat assistance.
Conclusion
LIHEAP provides more than just heating and cooling relief, it delivers peace of mind during times of financial strain.
Whether it’s a one-time seasonal payment, crisis intervention, or help repairing essential home systems, LIHEAP ensures that vulnerable households stay safe and comfortable year-round.
Families struggling with energy costs should contact their local DHHS office to apply and see which benefits they qualify for.
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