Sen. Susan Collins and a bipartisan group of senators are urging the Trump administration to release 2026–27 LIHEAP funding in October, ahead of the winter heating season.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills, handle energy emergencies and make home improvements that lower long-term utility costs.
About 6.2 million households received LIHEAP assistance last year. In Maine, households received a combined $41.6 million in funding.
Who may qualify for LIHEAP in 2026?
LIHEAP eligibility depends on your household income, size, state and energy costs. Each state or tribal program sets its own rules, but federal law generally requires income limits to fall within a range tied to the federal poverty guidelines and state median income.
You may be considered if:
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Your household income is within your state’s 2026 limit.
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You are responsible for a heating or cooling bill.
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You rent or own your home.
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Your household faces an energy emergency, such as a shutoff notice or an empty heating-fuel tank.
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You receive benefits such as SNAP, SSI, TANF or certain veterans’ assistance, which may help establish eligibility in some states.
Receiving another benefit does not automatically guarantee LIHEAP assistance. Your state agency makes the final decision.
2026 income guidelines
The federal income ceiling is generally the greater of 150% of the federal poverty level or 60% of state median income, although states may use lower limits within federal rules.
Approximate annual limits at 150% of the 2026 federal poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., are:
| Household size | Annual income | Approximate monthly income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,940 | $1,995 |
| 2 people | $32,460 | $2,705 |
| 3 people | $40,980 | $3,415 |
| 4 people | $49,500 | $4,125 |
| 5 people | $58,020 | $4,835 |
| 6 people | $66,540 | $5,545 |
| 7 people | $75,060 | $6,255 |
| 8 people | $83,580 | $6,965 |
These figures are a general guide, not a nationwide eligibility test. Alaska, Hawaii and individual states may use different amounts. For example, Maine’s 2026 limit is based on 60% of state median income and may be higher than the federal guideline-based figures.
Check your state’s rules before applying.
What LIHEAP can pay for
Depending on where you live, LIHEAP may help with:
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Heating and electric bills.
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Cooling costs.
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Past-due utility balances.
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Emergency fuel deliveries.
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Utility shutoff crises.
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Furnace or heating-system repairs.
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Weatherization and energy-efficiency upgrades.
The benefit amount is not the same everywhere. It may depend on your income, household size, fuel type, energy costs and whether you have an emergency.
Why senators want funding released in October
Sen. Susan Collins, along with Sens. Jack Reed and Lisa Murkowski, is asking the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute LIHEAP funding quickly.
The senators say the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act for Fiscal Year 2027 requires HHS to distribute at least 90% of the total LIHEAP allocation by November 1, 2026. They want the money released earlier so states and tribal agencies can begin helping households before winter demand increases.
The letter also included Maine Sen. Angus King and other members of the Senate.
How to apply for LIHEAP
Application dates and procedures vary by state. To apply:
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Visit the HHS LIHEAP application information page.
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Select your state or tribal LIHEAP agency.
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Check the 2026 income limits and application opening date.
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Gather proof of income, household members and energy costs.
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Apply as soon as the program opens, because funding may be limited.
You may need:
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A recent utility bill.
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A shutoff or emergency notice.
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Proof of income.
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Social Security numbers or identification for household members.
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Proof of address.
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Documentation showing you rent or own your home.
If your power is at risk of being disconnected or you have run out of heating fuel, ask specifically about emergency assistance.
What families should do now
Do not wait until temperatures fall sharply. Contact your state LIHEAP office, ask when applications open and prepare your documents in advance.
You can also contact your utility company about payment plans, budget billing and shutoff protections.
Bottom line
LIHEAP may help eligible households pay heating, cooling and emergency energy costs in 2026–27. Income eligibility depends on household size, state rules and financial circumstances, with many programs using limits connected to 150% of the federal poverty guidelines or 60% of state median income.
Senators are urging HHS to release funds in October so states can begin providing assistance before winter. Check your state LIHEAP program for the exact 2026 income limits, deadlines and application requirements.
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