The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) received approximately $4.05 billion in federal funding for fiscal year 2026, a slight increase over the prior year. This money is distributed to all 50 states, U.S. territories, and tribal organizations to help low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. New York receives the largest share at over $400 million, followed by California and Pennsylvania. Eligibility is generally limited to households earning below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines or 60% of state median income. You can check your eligibility for LIHEAP and other programs in under two minutes.
How Much LIHEAP Funding Does Each State Get in 2026?
LIHEAP funding is distributed using a formula based on each state's weather conditions, low-income population, and residential energy costs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the initial $3.7 billion in block grant funding in November 2025, with the remaining funds released after full-year appropriations were signed in early 2026.
The table below shows estimated FY2026 LIHEAP allocations for the 25 largest recipient states, based on published federal funding tables and historical allocation patterns.
| State | Estimated FY2026 LIHEAP Allocation | Households Served (FY2024) |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $400M+ | ~1,100,000 |
| California | $255M+ | ~430,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $230M+ | ~380,000 |
| Ohio | $175M+ | ~330,000 |
| Michigan | $170M+ | ~435,000 |
| Illinois | $165M+ | ~310,000 |
| Texas | $145M+ | ~250,000 |
| Massachusetts | $140M+ | ~200,000 |
| Minnesota | $130M+ | ~150,000 |
| Wisconsin | $115M+ | ~220,000 |
| New Jersey | $110M+ | ~180,000 |
| Indiana | $90M+ | ~150,000 |
| Virginia | $85M+ | ~130,000 |
| Connecticut | $80M+ | ~120,000 |
| Maryland | $75M+ | ~115,000 |
| North Carolina | $75M+ | ~130,000 |
| Georgia | $70M+ | ~120,000 |
| Missouri | $70M+ | ~110,000 |
| Tennessee | $65M+ | ~100,000 |
| Kentucky | $60M+ | ~100,000 |
| Iowa | $60M+ | ~90,000 |
| Washington | $55M+ | ~85,000 |
| Colorado | $55M+ | ~80,000 |
| Alabama | $50M+ | ~90,000 |
| Florida | $50M+ | ~85,000 |
Source: Estimates based on HHS/ACF published allocation tables and LIHEAP Clearinghouse data. Actual FY2026 final amounts may vary slightly from initial release figures. Visit acf.gov for official tables.
States with colder climates and larger low-income populations generally receive the most funding. Smaller states like Vermont, while receiving less total funding (approximately $27 million), often have higher per capita rates.
What Are the LIHEAP Income Limits for 2026?
Federal law sets LIHEAP income eligibility at a maximum of 150% of the federal poverty guidelines (FPG) or 60% of state median income (SMI), whichever is higher. Individual states may set lower limits. For FY2026, the income thresholds based on 150% FPG are:
| Household Size | 150% FPG (48 States + DC) | 150% FPG (Alaska) | 150% FPG (Hawaii) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,590 | $28,245 | $25,980 |
| 2 | $30,660 | $38,325 | $35,265 |
| 3 | $38,730 | $48,405 | $44,550 |
| 4 | $46,800 | $58,485 | $53,835 |
| 5 | $54,870 | $68,565 | $63,120 |
| 6 | $62,940 | $78,645 | $72,405 |
Note: These figures are based on the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (released January 2025). States using the 60% SMI threshold may have different limits. Verify current limits through your state LIHEAP office or our free eligibility screener.
Many states use the 60% state median income threshold when it results in a higher eligibility cutoff, which allows more households to qualify. For example, states with higher median incomes like Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey may allow qualifying incomes above the 150% FPG figures shown.
What Does LIHEAP Cover?
LIHEAP provides four main types of assistance:
Heating Assistance: Helps pay winter heating bills for qualifying households. This is the largest component, accounting for the majority of LIHEAP spending nationwide. Average heating benefits vary widely by state.
Cooling Assistance: Helps pay summer cooling costs. Not all states offer cooling assistance, and application windows are typically shorter.
Crisis Assistance: Provides emergency help when a household faces an energy emergency, such as a shutoff notice, broken heating equipment, or dangerously low fuel supply. Crisis benefits are often available year-round.
Weatherization: Some LIHEAP funds (up to 15% per state) can be directed toward weatherization improvements that reduce energy costs long-term, such as insulation, sealing, and equipment upgrades.
What Is the Average LIHEAP Benefit by State?
Average LIHEAP heating benefits vary significantly across states. Based on the most recent available data (FY2024):
| State | Average Heating Benefit |
|---|---|
| Alaska | ~$1,487 |
| Maryland | ~$1,200 |
| Massachusetts | ~$1,100 |
| New Hampshire | ~$1,050 |
| Texas | ~$1,000 |
| Connecticut | ~$900 |
| New York | ~$850 |
| Pennsylvania | ~$700 |
| Ohio | ~$550 |
| Michigan | ~$500 |
| National Average | ~$550 |
| Arkansas | ~$118 |
These are approximate averages. Individual benefit amounts depend on income, household size, energy costs, and available funding in your state.
Five states offered average heating benefits above $1,000 in FY2024: Alaska, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Texas.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in 2026
Follow these steps to apply for LIHEAP assistance in your state:
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Use our free benefits screener to see if you may qualify for LIHEAP and other assistance programs based on your income, household size, and location.
Step 2: Find your state LIHEAP office. Visit the LIHEAP Clearinghouse to locate your state program and find local contact information. Each state administers LIHEAP differently through various agencies.
Step 3: Gather required documents. Most states require:
- Proof of identity (government-issued ID)
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements)
- A recent energy bill or utility account number
- Social Security numbers for household members
- Proof of address
Step 4: Submit your application. Depending on your state, you can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person at a local community action agency. Many states now offer online applications.
Step 5: Wait for processing. Processing times typically range from 30 to 60 days. Some states, like Maryland, guarantee decisions within 45 days, while others, like Ohio, may take up to 12 weeks.
Step 6: Receive your benefit. LIHEAP payments are typically sent directly to your utility company or fuel provider, not to you personally. You will receive a notice of the benefit amount.
When Do LIHEAP Applications Open by State?
Most states open LIHEAP heating assistance applications between October and January. Exact dates vary by state and can change based on available funding. Some important timing details:
- Early openers (October): Many northern states like New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan open applications in October or November
- Later openers (November to January): Some southern states open applications later since heating season starts later
- Cooling assistance: Typically opens between March and June in states that offer it
- Crisis assistance: Often available year-round in many states
Applications close when funding runs out, which can happen before the official closing date. Applying early is strongly recommended.
How Many Households Does LIHEAP Serve?
LIHEAP assisted approximately 6 million households nationwide in fiscal year 2024. However, this represents only a fraction of eligible households. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association estimates that roughly one in six American families is behind on utility bill payments, far exceeding the number LIHEAP can serve with current funding.
Key statistics:
- New York served the most households at approximately 1.1 million (about 6,000 per 100,000 residents)
- Michigan ranked second with about 435,000 households served (4,300 per 100,000 residents)
- Alaska served the fewest total households at approximately 5,300, though its per-capita rate was among the highest
Was LIHEAP Funding Threatened in 2026?
Yes. The Trump administration's FY2026 budget request proposed eliminating LIHEAP funding entirely, arguing that state utility shutoff protections made the program unnecessary. However, Congress preserved and slightly increased funding to approximately $4.05 billion, a roughly $20 million increase over FY2025 levels.
The program also faced delays due to a government shutdown in late 2025. The initial $3.7 billion in funding was not released until late November 2025, weeks later than the typical early November timeline. Additionally, HHS laid off approximately two dozen staffers who managed LIHEAP in April 2025, which further slowed fund distribution.
Despite these challenges, LIHEAP funding for FY2026 was fully appropriated as part of a broader government spending package signed into law in early 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About LIHEAP 2026
Can I apply for LIHEAP if I rent my home?
Yes. Renters can apply for LIHEAP even if utilities are included in their rent. The benefit structure may differ, but renters are eligible in all states.
Does LIHEAP help with electricity bills?
Yes. LIHEAP can help with any home energy cost, including electricity, natural gas, heating oil, propane, and wood or coal. The type of assistance available depends on your state program.
Can I receive LIHEAP and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. Receiving LIHEAP does not disqualify you from SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, or other federal assistance programs. In fact, even a small LIHEAP benefit can increase your SNAP benefits through the Heat and Eat provision in some states.
What happens if LIHEAP funds run out in my state?
Once a state exhausts its LIHEAP allocation, new applicants must wait until the next fiscal year. Some states maintain waiting lists. Crisis assistance may still be available through separate emergency funding.
How is LIHEAP different from utility company assistance programs?
LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by states. Utility companies often have their own separate assistance programs. You may be eligible for both. Check with your utility provider and your state LIHEAP office.
Where can I check my eligibility for LIHEAP and other benefits?
Use our free eligibility screener to check your potential eligibility for LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs in just a few minutes. It covers all 50 states and checks 11 or more programs at once.
