The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) runs on a state-managed calendar. Each state sets its own application window, and most programs close once funding is exhausted. For the 2025-2026 program year, application windows range from a narrow six-week period in some states to year-round access in others. Applying as early as possible is the single most important step, since many states fund households on a first-come, first-served basis.
This guide covers the full 2026 LIHEAP deadline calendar by state, income eligibility limits, and how to apply before your window closes.
What Is LIHEAP?
LIHEAP is a federally funded, state-administered program that helps low-income households pay heating and cooling costs. The federal government allocates block grants to each state, territory, and tribal organization, which then runs its own program with its own application dates, benefit amounts, and eligibility rules.
Benefits typically cover:
- Heating bills (natural gas, electric, oil, propane)
- Cooling assistance during summer heat emergencies
- Crisis assistance when service is disconnected or you receive a shutoff notice
- Home weatherization through some state programs
Benefit amounts vary widely. Most households receive a one-time annual payment between $200 and $1,000 depending on income, household size, energy costs, and state funding levels. Some states average higher: Alaska, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Texas have historically provided average heating benefits above $1,000.
LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Federal law sets the maximum income limit at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or 60% of State Median Income (SMI), whichever is higher. The minimum states can set is 110% FPL. Most states fall somewhere between 110% and 150% FPL, though some use the SMI threshold, which can allow more households to qualify.
The 2026 income guidelines at 150% FPL for the contiguous 48 states are approximately:
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $23,940 | $1,995 |
| 2 | $32,460 | $2,705 |
| 3 | $40,980 | $3,415 |
| 4 | $49,500 | $4,125 |
| 5 | $58,020 | $4,835 |
| 6 | $66,540 | $5,545 |
| 7 | $75,060 | $6,255 |
| 8 | $83,580 | $6,965 |
Alaska and Hawaii have higher FPL thresholds due to higher living costs. Households receiving SNAP, SSI, TANF, or certain other federal benefits may automatically qualify in some states without a separate income review.
Always verify your state's specific income cutoff when you apply. The state limit may be lower than the federal maximum.
LIHEAP Application Deadlines by State: 2026 Calendar
The dates below are based on FY 2026 LIHEAP model plan data from the LIHEAP Clearinghouse and state agency sources. Actual program end dates may shift if funding runs out early. Dates marked "year-round" indicate applications are accepted continuously, though funding availability still varies.
| State | Application Opens | Application Closes | Notes |
|---|
| Alabama | Oct 1, 2025 | Apr 30, 2026 | |
| Alaska | Oct 1, 2025 | Apr 30, 2026 | Higher income limits apply |
| Arizona | Year-round | Year-round | Until funds exhausted |
| Arkansas | Jan 1, 2026 | Until funds exhausted | |
| California | Oct 1, 2025 | Sep 30, 2026 | Cooling assistance also available |
| Colorado | Nov 1, 2025 | Apr 30, 2026 | |
| Connecticut | Sep 1, 2025 | May 29, 2026 | |
| Delaware | Oct 1, 2025 | Mar 31, 2026 | |
| District of Columbia | Year-round | Year-round | |
| Florida | Oct 1, 2025 | Mar 31, 2026 | |
| Georgia | Dec 1, 2025 | Until funds exhausted | Apply early; funds go fast |
| Hawaii | Jun 3, 2026 | Jun 28, 2026 | Short cooling window |
| Idaho | Oct 1, 2025 | Mar 31, 2026 | |
| Illinois | Oct 1, 2025 | Aug 15, 2026 | |
| Indiana | Oct 1, 2025 | Apr 20, 2026 | |
| Iowa | Oct 1, 2025 | Apr 30, 2026 | |
| Kansas | Jan 20, 2026 | Mar 31, 2026 | Short window; apply promptly |
| Kentucky | Check state agency | Check state agency | Dates not confirmed for FY26 |
| Louisiana | Nov 15, 2025 | Mar 15, 2026 | |
| Maine | Aug 1, 2025 | May 29, 2026 | Opens earlier than most states |
| Maryland | Jul 1, 2025 | Jun 30, 2026 | Year-long program |
| Massachusetts | Oct 1, 2025 | Apr 30, 2026 | Among highest average benefits |
| Michigan | Check state agency | Check state agency | Dates not confirmed for FY26 |
| Minnesota | Sep 2, 2025 | May 31, 2026 | |
| Mississippi | Oct 1, 2025 | Apr 30, 2026 | |
| Missouri | Oct 1, 2025 | May 31, 2026 | |
| Montana | Oct 1, 2025 | Apr 30, 2026 | |
| Nebraska | Oct 1, 2025 | Mar 31, 2026 | |
| Nevada | Jul 1, 2025 | Jun 30, 2026 | Year-long program |
| New Hampshire | Year-round | Year-round | |
| New Jersey | Oct 1, 2025 | Jun 30, 2026 | |
| New Mexico | Year-round | Year-round | |
| New York | Dec 1, 2025 | Apr 7, 2026 | |
| North Carolina | Dec 1, 2025 | Mar 31, 2026 | |
| North Dakota | Year-round | Year-round | |
| Ohio | Oct 1, 2025 | May 31, 2026 | |
| Oklahoma | Dec 17, 2025 | Feb 28, 2026 | Very short window; act immediately |
| Oregon | Year-round | Year-round | |
| Pennsylvania | Dec 3, 2025 | May 8, 2026 | Extended deadline for FY26 |
| Rhode Island | Oct 1, 2025 | Until funds exhausted | |
| South Carolina | Oct 1, 2025 | Apr 30, 2026 | |
| South Dakota | Year-round | Year-round | |
| Tennessee | Year-round | Year-round | |
| Texas | Year-round | Year-round | High average benefit amounts |
| Utah | Year-round | Year-round | |
| Vermont | Year-round | Year-round | |
| Virginia | Oct 14, 2025 | Nov 14, 2025 | Very short window; check if reopened |
| Washington | Year-round | Year-round | |
| West Virginia | Check state agency | Check state agency | Dates not confirmed for FY26 |
| Wisconsin | Oct 1, 2025 | May 15, 2026 | |
| Wyoming | Check state agency | Check state agency | Dates delayed for FY26 |
Important: "Until funds exhausted" means the program closes when money runs out, regardless of the listed end date. Year-round programs still run out of funds in high-demand seasons. When in doubt, apply now.
States with the Shortest Windows in 2026
If you live in one of these states, the application window is particularly narrow and you may have missed the primary window for FY 2026. Contact the state agency directly to ask about any extended or crisis funding that may still be available:
- Oklahoma: Dec 17, 2025 to Feb 28, 2026 (about 10 weeks)
- Virginia: Oct 14, 2025 to Nov 14, 2025 (one month)
- Kansas: Jan 20, 2026 to Mar 31, 2026 (about 10 weeks)
- North Carolina: Dec 1, 2025 to Mar 31, 2026 (four months)
- Delaware and Nebraska: Oct 1, 2025 to Mar 31, 2026 (six months)
If the main heating window has closed in your state, ask specifically about crisis assistance funds. Crisis LIHEAP components often have separate funding and later deadlines, particularly for households facing shutoff.
States with Year-Round LIHEAP Access
These states accept applications throughout the year, though funding may run low or be depleted by late summer or fall:
- Arizona, District of Columbia, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington
Year-round does not mean unlimited. Funds run on a federal fiscal year (October to September), and most states see high demand in winter months. If you are in a year-round state and haven't applied yet, do not wait.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in 2026
LIHEAP applications are handled at the state and local level, not through a single federal portal. Here is the general process:
Step 1: Find your local LIHEAP office.
Call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-800-342-3009. You can also search for your state on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse at liheapch.acf.gov or through your local Community Action Agency (CAA).
Step 2: Gather required documents.
Most states ask for:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, tax return)
- Recent utility bill showing your account number and service address
- Proof of residence (lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill)
- Social Security numbers for household members
Step 3: Submit your application.
Depending on your state, you can apply:
- Online through your state's benefits portal
- By mail using a paper application
- In person at a Community Action Agency or state LIHEAP office
- By phone in some states
Step 4: Wait for a determination.
Processing times vary by state and demand. Many states complete reviews in two to four weeks. During peak season (November to February), it may take longer.
Step 5: Receive your benefit.
Benefits are usually paid directly to your utility company or fuel vendor. You will receive a notice confirming the amount credited to your account. In some cases you may receive a paper check.
Step 6: Apply for crisis assistance if needed.
If your heat has been shut off or you receive a shutoff notice, contact your LIHEAP office immediately and ask about crisis or emergency funds. Crisis components often have faster processing and separate funding.
Who Qualifies for LIHEAP
You may qualify if:
- Your household income is at or below your state's limit (typically 150% FPL or 60% SMI)
- You pay for heating or cooling costs, either directly or as part of your rent
- You are a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or otherwise meet the state's immigration requirements
- You have not already received a LIHEAP benefit for the current program year
Renters can qualify if utilities are in their name. Even if your landlord pays utilities, some states allow renters to apply if utility costs are factored into rent.
Households that include a member receiving SNAP, SSI, TANF, or certain veterans' benefits may be automatically income-qualified in many states.
LIHEAP and Other Energy Assistance Programs
LIHEAP is one of several options for help with energy bills. If you do not qualify or need additional assistance, consider these programs:
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Funds insulation, sealing, and other home improvements that reduce energy costs long-term. Often administered by the same agencies as LIHEAP.
- Utility company assistance programs: Most major gas and electric utilities offer low-income discount rates, payment plans, and shutoff protection programs. Call the customer service number on your bill.
- LIHEAP Crisis Assistance: A separate component from regular heating benefits; available for emergency shutoff situations.
- State low-income energy programs: Many states supplement federal LIHEAP with state-funded energy assistance. Check your state's human services department.
Check Your Eligibility Now
Application deadlines move fast and funding runs out. Use the Benefits Navigator screener to check whether you may qualify for LIHEAP and other assistance programs in your state based on your income, household size, and ZIP code.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does LIHEAP open for 2026?
Most states opened their LIHEAP heating assistance programs in October or November 2025. Some states, like Maine and Maryland, opened as early as August 2025. A handful of states accept applications year-round. For the exact opening date in your state, check the table above or contact your state LIHEAP office.
What is the income limit for LIHEAP in 2026?
The federal maximum is 150% of the Federal Poverty Level or 60% of State Median Income, whichever is higher. At 150% FPL, that is approximately $23,940 for a one-person household and $49,500 for a family of four. Individual states may set lower limits. Check your state's specific threshold before applying.
Can I still apply for LIHEAP in 2026 if my state's deadline has passed?
Possibly. Some states have extended deadlines or reopened enrollment with additional funding. Also ask about crisis LIHEAP funds, which are often separate from the main heating program and may still be available. Call your local Community Action Agency or the NEAR hotline at 1-800-342-3009.
How much money will I get from LIHEAP?
Benefit amounts vary by state, income, household size, and fuel type. Most households receive between $200 and $1,000 as a one-time annual payment. Some states average higher. The payment goes directly to your utility provider, not to you as cash.
Does LIHEAP help with cooling bills?
Some states offer a separate LIHEAP cooling component during summer months. California, Illinois, and other states with significant cooling seasons offer this. Contact your state agency to ask whether cooling assistance is available and when it opens.
How long does LIHEAP take to process?
Typical processing takes two to four weeks. During peak winter demand, it may take longer. If you are in an emergency situation such as a service shutoff, ask about expedited crisis assistance, which often processes within 24 to 48 hours.
Can renters apply for LIHEAP?
Yes. You can apply if utilities are in your name or if your lease shows utility costs are included in rent. Some states allow renters to apply regardless of how utilities are billed.
Do I have to reapply each year?
Yes. LIHEAP is a one-time annual benefit per household. You must submit a new application each program year. Previous approval does not guarantee current-year eligibility.
Where do I apply for LIHEAP?
There is no single federal LIHEAP application. Each state runs its own program. Start at the LIHEAP Clearinghouse (liheapch.acf.gov), call the NEAR hotline at 1-800-342-3009, or use the Benefits Navigator screener to find your state's application portal.
