Arizona households struggling to pay electric or gas bills can apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through the state's A-to-Z Arizona portal at atoz.az.gov. The program, run by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), helps cover heating and cooling costs, utility deposits, reconnection fees, and crisis assistance when a disconnection notice has already arrived. Most households qualify based on income at or below 60% of the state median income, and applications can be submitted online, through a local Community Action Agency, or on paper.
LIHEAP is federally funded but state-administered, which means the exact income limits, benefit amounts, and application windows are set by Arizona DES each program year rather than a single national standard. Here's what Arizona households need to know before applying in 2026.
What LIHEAP Covers in Arizona
LIHEAP in Arizona is a combined heating and cooling assistance program. It can help pay for:
- Current monthly electric or gas bills
- Overdue utility balances
- Utility deposits for new service
- Late fees and reconnection charges
- Crisis assistance when a household has received a disconnection notice, is already disconnected, or faces an eviction notice tied to utilities included in rent
Because Arizona summers routinely bring extreme heat, cooling assistance is treated with the same urgency as heating assistance in colder states. Major utilities including Arizona Public Service (APS), Tucson Electric Power (TEP), and Trico Electric Cooperative are also barred from disconnecting service to qualifying customers when forecasted temperatures reach 95 degrees or higher, typically June through September.
Arizona LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Arizona sets its LIHEAP income standard at 60% of the state median income (SMI) for most households. This is typically a higher threshold than the 150% Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) standard, which means more Arizona households qualify than they might expect. Households with 10 or more members are evaluated under 150% FPG instead.
| Household Size | Approximate Monthly Income Limit | Approximate Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,808 | $33,690 |
| 2 | $3,671 | $44,056 |
| 3 | $4,535 | $54,422 |
| 4 | $5,399 | $64,789 |
| 5 | $6,263 | $75,155 |
| 6 | $7,127 | $85,521 |
These figures reflect the 60% SMI standard used for Arizona's heating, cooling, and crisis components for the current program year. Weatherization assistance uses a separate standard of 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Because SMI figures are updated annually, treat these as approximate and confirm your household's exact limit through the application portal or by calling the LIHEAP service line before assuming you don't qualify.
If your household already receives SNAP, TANF, or SSI, you may be able to use categorical eligibility instead of submitting separate income documentation, since those programs already verify income at or below the relevant thresholds.
Who Qualifies for Arizona LIHEAP
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Arizona, a household generally must:
- Need assistance paying energy-related utility costs (electric, gas, propane, or other home heating/cooling fuel)
- Meet U.S. citizenship or qualified immigration status requirements
- Have household income within Arizona's LIHEAP income guidelines for the household's size
There is no asset test for LIHEAP in Arizona. Eligibility is based on household size and gross income, not savings or home ownership. Renters, homeowners, and households where utilities are included in rent can all apply, though the documentation needed may differ slightly.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in Arizona: Step-by-Step
Arizona retired its old standalone LIHEAP online application in favor of the A-to-Z Arizona portal, which now handles LIHEAP alongside several other state assistance programs.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before starting, collect:
- A current utility bill (electric and/or gas)
- Government-issued photo ID for the head of household
- Social Security numbers or cards for everyone in the household
- Proof of citizenship or qualified immigration status
- Proof of income for the last 30 days for all household members, or categorical proof such as a current SNAP, TANF, or SSI award letter
- A disconnection or shutoff notice, if you have one and are seeking crisis assistance
- A copy of your lease or mortgage statement, if requested
Step 2: Apply Online Through A-to-Z Arizona
Go to atoz.az.gov and either sign in with an existing account, verify your identity through ID.me, or apply as a guest if you're unable to complete ID.me verification. The portal is available 24/7 and lets you track your application status and receive communications by email once submitted.
Step 3: Apply in Person or by Phone Instead, If Needed
If you prefer not to apply online, or need help completing the application, contact your local Community Action Agency (CAA). CAAs across Arizona's counties, such as Maricopa County Human Services in the Phoenix area, handle intake and case management for LIHEAP in their service areas. You can also call the statewide LIHEAP service line at 1-866-494-1981, available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for help with the application, ADA accommodation requests, a paper application, or a program grievance. Paper applications are available in English, large-print English, Spanish, and large-print Spanish.
Step 4: Submit and Wait for a Determination
Once submitted, a caseworker reviews your application and documentation. Standard LIHEAP applications in Arizona are generally processed within several weeks, though timelines vary by county and by how much documentation is complete when you apply. If your household is facing an active disconnection notice or has already lost service, request crisis assistance specifically. Arizona targets a response within 48 hours for standard crisis cases, and faster for life-threatening situations such as a medical equipment dependency.
Step 5: Apply Early in the Program Year
LIHEAP funding is limited and distributed on a federal fiscal year basis (October 1 through September 30). Arizona has closed applications before the fiscal year ends in past years once funds for that cycle were exhausted. Applying as soon as the new program year opens gives your household the best chance of receiving assistance before funds run out, especially for crisis assistance during the hottest summer months or coldest winter weeks.
How Much Can You Receive from Arizona LIHEAP
Benefit amounts are not flat. They depend on household size, income, the type of fuel used, your utility provider's rates, and whether you're applying for a regular heating/cooling benefit or crisis assistance. Many Arizona households receive a benefit in the range of a few hundred dollars up to around $1,200 per program year, though your actual benefit could be higher or lower depending on your circumstances. The program is designed to help offset, not necessarily fully cover, your energy costs.
Arizona LIHEAP vs. Other Utility Help
LIHEAP is not the only utility assistance available in Arizona. Some households may also qualify for:
- Utility company-specific low-income discount or payment assistance programs through APS, TEP, SRP, or other providers
- Emergency rental and utility assistance through Arizona's housing stability programs
- Weatherization assistance, which helps reduce long-term energy costs through home efficiency improvements, using a 200% FPG income standard
Applying for LIHEAP does not prevent you from also applying for these other programs, and in some cases a LIHEAP caseworker can help identify what else you may qualify for.
If you're unsure which Arizona assistance programs apply to your household, more state-specific benefit information is available on our Arizona state benefits page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for LIHEAP in Arizona?
Arizona generally uses 60% of the state median income as its LIHEAP eligibility standard, which for 2026 is approximately $33,690 per year for a one-person household and approximately $64,789 per year for a four-person household. Households with 10 or more members are evaluated under 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines instead. Exact figures are set annually, so confirm your household's limit through the application portal.
How do I apply for LIHEAP in Arizona?
Apply online through the A-to-Z Arizona portal at atoz.az.gov, in person through your local Community Action Agency, or by requesting a paper application through the statewide LIHEAP service line at 1-866-494-1981. You'll need a current utility bill, photo ID, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of income or categorical eligibility documentation.
How long does it take to get approved for LIHEAP in Arizona?
Standard applications typically take several weeks to process, depending on your county and how complete your documentation is when submitted. Crisis assistance for households with an active disconnection notice is prioritized, with a target response of around 48 hours for standard crisis cases and faster for life-threatening situations.
Can I get LIHEAP help if my power is already shut off?
Yes. Crisis assistance is available if your utility has already been disconnected, if you've received a disconnection notice, or if you've received an eviction notice where utilities are included in your rent. Contact your local Community Action Agency or the LIHEAP service line immediately and be ready to provide your disconnection or shutoff notice.
Does LIHEAP cover cooling costs in Arizona?
Yes. Because of Arizona's extreme summer heat, LIHEAP funds both heating and cooling assistance. Major utilities like APS, TEP, and Trico also cannot disconnect service to qualifying customers during forecasted heat of 95 degrees or higher, generally from June through September.
Do I need to reapply for LIHEAP every year?
Yes. LIHEAP eligibility and funding are determined on an annual federal fiscal year basis (October 1 through September 30), so households need to submit a new application each program year, even if they received assistance previously.
Is there an asset limit for Arizona LIHEAP?
No. Arizona's LIHEAP eligibility is based on household size and gross income, not savings, vehicles, or home equity.
