The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) pays a one-time seasonal grant to help households cover heating bills, but the dollar amount varies dramatically from one state to another. Alaska's maximum heating benefit tops $6,000 while some southern states cap out under $500. If you want to know what your state actually pays, this chart breaks it down state by state using the most current published figures for the 2025-2026 heating season.
What Is LIHEAP and Who Pays For It?
LIHEAP is a federally funded block grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Congress appropriated approximately $4.05 billion for FY 2026. That money flows from the federal government to each state, territory, and tribal nation, which then runs its own program with its own benefit levels, income limits, and application windows.
Because states control the design, "LIHEAP" in Alaska looks very different from "LIHEAP" in Georgia. The federal rules set a floor, not a ceiling. States can raise income limits, adjust benefit amounts based on heating fuel costs, and add crisis components. This is why you need state-specific numbers rather than a single national figure.
LIHEAP Maximum Heating Benefit by State 2026
The table below shows the maximum regular heating benefit for each state. "Maximum" means the highest dollar amount a qualifying household can receive in a single heating season. Your actual benefit will likely be lower based on your income, household size, and fuel type.
| State | Max Heating Benefit | Income Limit (1-Person) |
|---|
| Alaska | $6,125 | Varies by region |
| Texas | $12,300* | $2,815/month |
| Wisconsin | $2,580 | Varies |
| Michigan | $2,205 | $1,434/month |
| New Hampshire | $2,177 | Varies |
| Vermont | $1,843 | $3,422/month |
| Illinois | $2,075 | $2,608/month |
| California | $1,500 | Varies |
| Florida | $1,350 | $2,679/month |
| Minnesota | $1,400 | Varies |
| New Jersey | $1,278 | Varies |
| Maine | $1,012 | Varies |
| Pennsylvania | $1,000 | $1,956/month |
| Colorado | $1,000 | Varies |
| New York | $996 | $3,473/month |
| Ohio | $811 | $2,282/month |
| Georgia | $810 | Varies |
| Maryland | $750 | Varies |
| Virginia | $703 | Varies |
| Connecticut | $530 | $3,980/month |
| North Carolina | $500 | Varies |
| Arizona | $640 | Varies |
| Washington | $1,250 | Varies |
| Massachusetts | $600 | $4,314/month |
*Texas figure reflects the state's stated maximum; actual awards are typically much lower and vary by utility, county, and available funding. Many Texas households receive $200 to $500 in practice.
For states not listed above, contact your state energy office or visit the LIHEAP Clearinghouse at liheapch.acf.gov to find your state's published benefit schedule.
Why Benefit Amounts Vary So Much
Several factors explain the wide range between states:
Energy costs and climate. Alaska and upper Midwest states spend far more on winter heat than southern states. States with higher average utility costs tend to set higher benefit maximums to cover a meaningful share of a household's bill.
Federal allocation per state. Each state's share of the $4.05 billion federal pot is calculated using a formula that weighs poverty rates, weather data, and energy prices. New York, California, and Pennsylvania receive the largest total allocations, though that doesn't always translate directly to higher per-household maximums.
State policy choices. States decide how to split their allocation between regular heating benefits, cooling benefits, crisis assistance, and weatherization. A state that puts more toward weatherization may offer a lower maximum on the heating check.
Available state matching funds. Some states supplement federal LIHEAP dollars with state general fund money, which can raise the maximum benefit. Others pass through the federal allocation with no additions.
Income Limits: Who Qualifies for LIHEAP in 2026?
Federal law sets the income ceiling at the lower of 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or 60% of State Median Income (SMI). In practice, many states set their limits below the federal ceiling.
The 2026 federal poverty guidelines for the contiguous 48 states and DC:
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Annual) | 150% FPL (Annual) |
|---|
| 1 person | $15,060 | $22,590 |
| 2 people | $20,440 | $30,660 |
| 3 people | $25,820 | $38,730 |
| 4 people | $31,200 | $46,800 |
| 5 people | $36,580 | $54,870 |
| 6 people | $41,960 | $62,940 |
Alaska and Hawaii have higher FPL thresholds. Alaska's 150% FPL for a family of one is roughly $28,215/year. Hawaii's is roughly $26,025/year.
A few things to know about income counting for LIHEAP:
- Most states count gross income before taxes, not net income.
- Social Security, SSI, SSDI, and pension income all count.
- SNAP benefits, TANF, and most tax credits do not count as income.
- Everyone living at the address sharing utility service is typically counted in your household, even if they are not related to you.
There is no asset limit for LIHEAP in any state. Your savings, car value, or home equity do not affect eligibility.
How Heating Benefits Are Calculated
States use a few different methods to set individual benefit amounts within the published maximum:
Fixed benefit by income band. Some states publish a table where your income level maps to a fixed dollar amount. A household at 50% FPL might receive $900 while one at 130% FPL receives $400.
Sliding scale. Your benefit decreases as income rises toward the cutoff.
Fuel type and usage. Households that heat with fuel oil, propane, or wood may receive different amounts than those on natural gas. Some states pay higher benefits for more expensive fuels.
Vulnerability add-ons. Many states add to the base benefit if your household includes someone aged 60 or older, a young child under 5, or someone with a disability.
Geographic zone. A state like Maine may set higher benefits for counties in the far north where heating costs are greater.
Crisis Assistance: When the Heat Is Already Off
Separate from regular heating benefits, most states offer a LIHEAP crisis component for households facing an immediate energy emergency. This includes:
- Pending utility shutoff
- Already disconnected service
- Heating equipment that broke down
- Running out of heating fuel (for tank-based systems)
Crisis benefit maximums are often higher than regular heating maximums. Colorado, for example, caps regular heating at $1,000 but allows crisis assistance up to $4,800. Michigan's crisis component can add a significant supplement on top of the regular benefit.
Crisis applications are usually processed faster, within 18 to 48 hours in many states, compared to the standard processing time of several weeks for regular benefits.
When to Apply: State Program Windows
Application dates are set by each state and vary significantly. Most northern states open their heating programs in October or November. Southern states may open later since heating need arrives later.
| Region | Typical Heating Program Window |
|---|
| Northeast (ME, VT, NH, CT, NY) | October through April or May |
| Midwest (OH, MI, WI, MN, IL) | October through May or June |
| Mid-Atlantic (PA, MD, VA, NJ) | November through April |
| South (FL, GA, NC, TX) | December through March |
| West (CA, WA, CO, AZ) | October through May |
Apply as early in the season as possible. LIHEAP is funded by a fixed annual appropriation. Once that money is gone, the program stops accepting applications until the next funding cycle. States are not required to extend funding or accept late applicants if the allocation runs out.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in 2026
LIHEAP applications are handled at the state and local level. There is no single national application.
Step 1: Find your local agency. Go to benefits.gov and search for LIHEAP, or call 211 (the national social services hotline). You can also visit your state's department of social services website. Most states list authorized local agencies by county or ZIP code.
Step 2: Gather your documents. Most states require:
- Proof of identity (state ID, driver's license, or passport) for all adults in the household
- Proof of address (lease, utility bill, or official mail)
- Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, award letters for Social Security, pension statements)
- Your most recent utility bill or account number
- Social Security numbers for all household members
Step 3: Submit your application. Options vary by state and local agency. Many agencies now accept applications online, by mail, or by phone. Some require an in-person appointment. Walk-in drop-off is available at most county offices.
Step 4: Wait for a determination. Regular applications typically take 2 to 6 weeks. Crisis applications are usually resolved within 48 hours. You will receive written notice of approval or denial.
Step 5: Benefit is paid to your utility. In most cases, LIHEAP pays your utility company directly. For households using delivered fuels like propane or heating oil, payment goes to the fuel supplier. You generally do not receive a check.
If you are denied, you have the right to appeal. The denial letter will include instructions for requesting a fair hearing.
Other Programs That Can Help With Energy Bills
LIHEAP is one piece of a broader set of energy assistance options. If you need more help beyond what LIHEAP provides, consider:
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Also federally funded, WAP pays for insulation, air sealing, and heating system upgrades that reduce your long-term energy costs. You can receive both LIHEAP and WAP in the same year.
Utility company assistance programs. Most large utilities offer their own low-income rate discount or arrearage forgiveness programs. These are separate from LIHEAP and have their own income limits.
LIHEAP Cooling Assistance. Some states offer a cooling component in summer. Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas are among the states that run cooling programs.
State-funded supplements. New Jersey's Universal Service Fund, Connecticut's CEAP, and similar state-funded programs layer additional assistance on top of federal LIHEAP for households that need more.
You can check your eligibility for LIHEAP, Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs at once using our free benefits screener.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does LIHEAP pay on average?
The national average LIHEAP heating benefit is roughly $400 to $600 per household, but this varies widely. A household in Alaska or New Hampshire can receive over $2,000. A household in Ohio or North Carolina might receive under $500. Your actual benefit depends on your state, income, household size, and fuel type.
Can I get LIHEAP if I rent?
Yes. Renters qualify for LIHEAP if they pay their utility bills directly to a utility company. If your heat is included in your rent and your landlord pays the utility, you typically do not qualify unless your state has a special provision for subsidized renters.
Does LIHEAP affect my SNAP or Medicaid benefits?
No. Receiving LIHEAP does not count as income for SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or most other means-tested programs. There is one notable interaction: in many states, receiving even $1 from LIHEAP triggers a higher utility deduction in the SNAP calculation, which can increase your SNAP benefit.
Can I apply for LIHEAP if I already owe money to my utility company?
Yes. Past-due balances do not disqualify you. In fact, having a past-due bill or a shutoff notice may make you eligible for emergency or crisis LIHEAP on a faster timeline.
What if my state's LIHEAP funds run out before I apply?
If your state exhausts its allocation, you generally must wait for the next program year. Some states maintain a waiting list and apply remaining funds if additional money becomes available through federal supplemental appropriations. Calling 211 can help you identify any remaining local resources.
Is LIHEAP available year-round?
Most states run LIHEAP as a seasonal program tied to the heating season (roughly October through April in northern states). Some states also run a cooling season component in summer. Crisis assistance may be available outside the regular season window for emergency situations.
How do I know if my application was approved?
States are required to notify you in writing. Most send a letter within 30 days for regular applications and within 18 to 48 hours for crisis applications. The letter will state the benefit amount and how it will be paid. If you have not heard back, contact your local agency directly.
Can undocumented immigrants receive LIHEAP?
Federal LIHEAP funds may only go to households that include at least one member with qualifying immigration status (a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident). However, some states use state-only funds to extend assistance more broadly. Eligibility is counted based on qualifying household members, so a mixed-status household with at least one citizen or lawful resident may still qualify based on that member's presence.
Ready to see what other benefits you may qualify for? Run our free eligibility screener to check LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, and more in under two minutes.
