LIHEAP cooling assistance helps low-income households pay summer electric bills when air conditioning costs spike. The program is federally funded at $4.045 billion for fiscal year 2026, but not every state uses that money for cooling. About half of U.S. states run dedicated summer cooling programs, and each one sets its own income limits, benefit amounts, and application window. If your state offers cooling help this summer, applying early matters because most programs close once funding is gone.
This guide covers which states offer LIHEAP cooling assistance in 2026, current income limits, how much you can expect to receive, and the exact steps to apply.
What Is LIHEAP Cooling Assistance?
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal block grant that states receive and administer themselves. The federal government does not run a single program. Instead, each state, U.S. territory, and tribal organization decides how to use their allocation. States can split funds between heating, cooling, crisis assistance, and weatherization.
Cooling assistance typically covers a portion of your summer electricity bills or helps pay off a past-due balance to avoid disconnection. Some states also provide fans or window air conditioning units to eligible households. Benefit amounts range from around $100 in some states to over $1,000 in others, depending on local energy costs and available funding.
Unlike heating assistance (which serves most LIHEAP-eligible states from fall through spring), cooling assistance is available in fewer states and runs for a shorter window, often three to five months.
2026 LIHEAP Income Limits
LIHEAP eligibility is capped at the higher of 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) or 60% of state median income, whichever is greater. States can set lower limits within that range, but cannot exceed the federal maximum.
The 2026 income limits at 150% FPL for the 48 contiguous states and DC are:
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (150% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 person | $23,940 |
| 2 people | $32,460 |
| 3 people | $40,980 |
| 4 people | $49,500 |
| 5 people | $58,020 |
| 6 people | $66,540 |
| 7 people | $75,060 |
| 8 people | $83,580 |
Alaska and Hawaii have higher income limits due to regional cost adjustments.
Many states use 60% of state median income rather than 150% FPL, which can mean higher income limits in states with higher average wages. Georgia, for example, sets cooling eligibility at 60% of state median income. For a single-person household in Georgia that works out to approximately $34,549 annually, which is higher than the 150% FPL figure.
If your income is close to these limits, apply anyway. States often have slight variations in how they calculate household income, and some exclude certain income sources.
Which States Offer LIHEAP Cooling Assistance in 2026
Not all states run a cooling program. States in northern climates with shorter summers frequently focus their entire LIHEAP allocation on winter heating. The following overview covers key states with active cooling programs.
States With Active 2026 Cooling Programs
Alabama
- Income limit: 150% FPL
- Benefit range: $320 to $520
- Program dates: May 1 to September 30
- Apply through local Community Action Agencies
Florida
- Income limit: 60% state median income (150% FPL for households of 10 or more)
- Benefit range: $400 to $1,350
- Program dates: April 1 to September 30
- Apply through county-level Community Action Agencies; Florida runs a year-round program
Georgia
- Income limit: 60% state median income (approximately $34,549 for a single person)
- Benefit range: $400 to $500
- Program dates: April 1 to July 31
- Seniors 65 and older and the medically homebound had priority access starting April 1; general applications opened May 1
Nebraska
- Income limit: 150% FPL
- Program dates: June 1 to August 31
Oklahoma
- Program dates: July 14 to September 30
- Apply through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Virginia
- Program dates: June 15 to August 15
- Apply through the Virginia Department of Social Services
Hawaii
- Program dates: June 1 to June 30 (very short window)
District of Columbia
- Benefit range: $200 minimum to $1,800 maximum for heating and cooling combined
Texas
- Cooling assistance available through local Community Action Agencies
- Income limit: approximately 150% FPL; a 2-person household must earn $44,179 or less annually
- Apply through 211 Texas or the local LIHEAP office
California
- Cooling assistance available alongside heating assistance
- Apply through local Community Services agencies or online at caliheapapply.com
States That Do Not Offer LIHEAP Cooling Assistance
These states focus their LIHEAP allocation entirely on heating and crisis assistance. Residents may still qualify for heating season assistance or emergency energy help:
Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
If your state is on this list, contact your state's energy assistance office directly. Some states without a formal cooling program will still help with a utility disconnection crisis during summer months.
LIHEAP Cooling Benefits by State: Summary Table
| State | Cooling Program | Benefit Range | Program Window |
|---|
| Alabama | Yes | $320 to $520 | May 1 to Sep 30 |
| Arizona | Yes | Varies | Contact state office |
| California | Yes | Varies | Varies by county |
| Florida | Yes | $400 to $1,350 | Apr 1 to Sep 30 |
| Georgia | Yes | $400 to $500 | Apr 1 to Jul 31 |
| Hawaii | Yes | Varies | Jun 1 to Jun 30 |
| Louisiana | Yes | Varies | Contact state office |
| Mississippi | Yes | Varies | Contact state office |
| Nebraska | Yes | Varies | Jun 1 to Aug 31 |
| Nevada | Yes | Varies | Contact state office |
| New Mexico | Yes | Varies | Contact state office |
| New York | Yes | Varies | Contact state office |
| Oklahoma | Yes | Varies | Jul 14 to Sep 30 |
| South Carolina | Yes | Varies | Contact state office |
| Tennessee | Yes | Varies | Contact state office |
| Texas | Yes | Varies | Contact state office |
| Virginia | Yes | Varies | Jun 15 to Aug 15 |
| DC | Yes | $200 to $1,800 | Contact office |
| Illinois | No | N/A | Heating only |
| Michigan | No | N/A | Heating only |
| Ohio | No | N/A | Heating only |
| Pennsylvania | No | N/A | Heating only |
For the full state-by-state list with current dates, the LIHEAP Clearinghouse at liheapch.acf.gov maintains official program information for all grant recipients.
Who Qualifies for LIHEAP Cooling Assistance
To qualify for LIHEAP cooling assistance, you generally need to meet all of these criteria:
Income requirements. Household income must fall at or below your state's LIHEAP income limit, which is at most 150% FPL or 60% state median income. Income includes wages, Social Security, SSDI, SSI, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other regular payments.
Residence. You must live in the state where you are applying. LIHEAP does not cover vacation homes or temporary lodging.
Utility account. Most programs require that you are responsible for paying your own electric or energy bill, either directly or as part of your rent. Some states help renters even if utilities are included in rent.
Priority groups. Many states give priority access to households with a member who is elderly (60 or older), disabled, or includes a child under age 6. In Georgia, seniors and the medically homebound received first access. Applying as soon as your state's window opens is especially important if you are in a priority group.
U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. LIHEAP requires the applicant to be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant. Mixed-status households can still apply; only the applicant must meet the status requirement.
Documents Needed to Apply
Gather these before you start your application to avoid delays:
- Photo ID for the applicant (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of income for all household members (recent pay stubs, Social Security award letter, benefit statement, or employer letter)
- Recent utility bill showing your account number and service address
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of address (utility bill or lease agreement works)
- For renters: documentation that you are responsible for utility costs, or contact information for your landlord
Some local agencies also ask for proof of disability or age documentation if you are applying as a priority household.
How to Apply for LIHEAP Cooling Assistance: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Confirm your state runs a cooling program.
Check whether your state has an active cooling program this summer. The fastest way is to search "[your state] LIHEAP cooling 2026" or call 211, which routes to your local social services office.
Step 2: Find your local LIHEAP office.
LIHEAP is administered locally, not at the state level in most cases. Use the Benefits.gov LIHEAP page or call 211 to find the Community Action Agency or energy assistance office serving your county or zip code.
Step 3: Gather your documents.
Collect the income, identity, and utility documents listed above before you apply. Applications with missing documents are delayed or denied at the first review.
Step 4: Submit your application.
Depending on your state and county, you can apply:
- Online through your state's LIHEAP portal (California has caliheapapply.com; other states vary)
- In person at your local Community Action Agency
- By mail or fax in some counties
- By phone in some locations for elderly or disabled applicants
Step 5: Follow up.
After applying, ask for a confirmation number or reference ID. Processing times vary. Some offices handle applications within two weeks; others take up to 30 days during peak summer months. If you have an urgent disconnection notice, tell the office immediately. Most programs have a separate crisis component that moves faster.
Step 6: Apply to other programs if you are denied or the funding runs out.
If LIHEAP funds are exhausted before your application is processed, ask about your state's Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program, your utility company's own low-income discount programs, or the federal Lifeline program for phone and internet assistance. Many utilities also offer budget billing plans that can lower summer spikes.
2026 Funding Situation and What It Means for Applicants
LIHEAP received $4.045 billion in federal funding for fiscal year 2026. The Trump administration proposed eliminating the program entirely in its proposed FY2027 budget, and program staff at the Department of Health and Human Services were dismissed earlier in 2025. Congress subsequently pushed back: a bipartisan group of senators secured release of the remaining FY2026 funds, and the House Appropriations Subcommittee's draft for FY2027 includes a $10 million increase to $4.055 billion.
For 2026 summer applicants, the program is currently funded and operating. But the policy uncertainty adds urgency: apply during your state's cooling window rather than waiting. If federal funding is cut in future years, state-level programs would be significantly reduced or eliminated.
Maximizing Your LIHEAP Benefits
A few strategies help you get the most from the program:
Apply during the priority window if you qualify. States like Georgia open applications early for seniors and the disabled. Taking advantage of that head start means you are processed before general applications flood in.
Combine LIHEAP with your utility's own program. Many electric utilities offer separate low-income assistance or medical baseline rates. These can work alongside LIHEAP rather than replacing it.
Check weatherization eligibility. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides free home improvements, like insulation and sealing, that permanently reduce your energy bills. LIHEAP applicants often qualify.
Use the Benefits Navigator screener. If you are unsure which programs you qualify for, the free Benefits Navigator screener checks LIHEAP alongside SNAP, Medicaid, and other assistance programs in a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LIHEAP pay my air conditioning bill directly?
It depends on how your state delivers the benefit. Some states pay your utility company directly, either as a one-time credit or ongoing payments. Others provide a voucher you apply toward your bill. A smaller number of states issue a direct payment to you. Check with your local LIHEAP office to understand how funds are delivered in your area.
Can renters apply for LIHEAP cooling assistance?
Yes. Renters can apply if they are responsible for paying their own electric bill. If your utilities are included in your rent, some states still allow you to apply for a benefit paid to your landlord. Contact your local office to ask about the rules in your state.
What if my state's cooling program is already closed or out of funding?
Ask your LIHEAP office about crisis assistance. Most states maintain a separate crisis component for households facing disconnection or dangerous heat conditions. You may also contact your utility company directly to request an emergency delay on disconnection while you seek assistance.
How long does it take to receive LIHEAP cooling assistance?
Processing times vary by state and local office. Most applications are processed within 14 to 30 days. If you have a disconnection notice with a deadline, bring it to your appointment or note it on your application. Crisis cases are typically expedited.
Can I get LIHEAP cooling help and heating help in the same year?
Many states allow a household to receive both a cooling benefit and a heating benefit in the same program year, as long as funding is available and you meet eligibility requirements for each component. Some states have combined limits that cap total annual assistance. Ask your local office about your state's policy.
Do undocumented immigrants qualify for LIHEAP?
No. LIHEAP requires the applicant to be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant. However, in a mixed-status household, a qualifying family member (such as a U.S. citizen child) can be listed as the applicant, and the household may still receive assistance based on that member's eligibility.
I was denied for LIHEAP. Can I appeal?
Yes. Federal law requires states to have an appeals process for LIHEAP decisions. If you are denied, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason. You typically have 30 days to request a hearing. Contact your local LIHEAP office to initiate the appeal process.
Where do I find my state's LIHEAP office?
The fastest options are calling 211 (available in most of the country), visiting Benefits.gov, or searching "[your state] LIHEAP cooling 2026" to find your state energy office's website. You can also use the Benefits Navigator screener to see whether you may qualify and get links to your state's program.
