2026 Louisiana LIHEAP Income Limits
Louisiana sets its LIHEAP income threshold at 60% of the State Median Income (SMI), which is higher than the federal floor of 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The program uses whichever standard results in a higher limit, so in Louisiana the 60% SMI figures apply.
2026 Annual Income Limits (60% State Median Income):
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $30,618 | $2,552 |
| 2 people | $40,039 | $3,337 |
| 3 people | $49,460 | $4,122 |
| 4 people | $58,882 | $4,907 |
| 5 people | $68,303 | $5,692 |
| 6 people | $77,724 | $6,477 |
| 7 people | $87,145 | $7,262 |
| 8 people | $96,566 | $8,047 |
For households larger than 8 people, the limit increases by approximately $9,421 per additional member annually.
These figures represent gross income before taxes. If your household income falls at or below the limit for your household size, you may qualify for assistance.
For comparison, here are the 150% FPL limits for reference. Louisiana uses the higher 60% SMI limits above, but these show the federal baseline:
| Household Size | 150% FPL Annual | 150% FPL Monthly |
|---|
| 1 person | $22,590 | $1,883 |
| 2 people | $30,660 | $2,555 |
| 3 people | $38,730 | $3,228 |
| 4 people | $46,800 | $3,900 |
| 5 people | $54,870 | $4,573 |
| 6 people | $62,940 | $5,245 |
Who Qualifies for Louisiana LIHEAP?
To be eligible for Louisiana LIHEAP in 2026, you must meet all of the following:
- Income requirement -- Your household gross income must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income (see table above)
- Residency -- You must be a Louisiana resident
- Energy responsibility -- You must be responsible for paying a home energy bill, either directly or included in your rent
- Active utility account -- You must have an active heating or cooling utility account (or need one)
- One benefit per season -- A household can receive one heating benefit and one cooling benefit per program year; you cannot receive the same benefit type twice in the same season
There is no asset test for Louisiana LIHEAP. You do not need to own a car, home, or meet any savings limits to qualify.
Who Gets Priority?
While the program is open to all income-eligible households, Louisiana gives priority to:
- Households with a member who is age 60 or older
- Households with a member who has a disability
- Households with young children (under age 6)
- Households with the highest energy costs relative to income
- Households facing a utility disconnection notice
Louisiana LIHEAP Benefit Amounts 2026
Benefit amounts vary depending on the type of assistance and your household's specific energy needs. Here are the general ranges:
| Benefit Type | Amount |
|---|
| Heating assistance | $200 to $800 |
| Cooling assistance | $200 to $800 |
| Crisis assistance | Up to $1,000 |
These payments go directly to your utility provider. The exact amount you receive depends on your income, household size, energy costs, and fund availability in your parish.
Crisis assistance is available year-round for households facing emergencies such as a pending disconnection, no fuel, or a broken heating or cooling system. If your utility service has already been shut off or you have a disconnection notice, contact your local agency immediately to request a crisis appointment.
Louisiana LIHEAP Program Dates 2026
The program runs on a seasonal schedule:
| Program Type | Dates |
|---|
| Heating Season | December 15 to March 31 |
| Cooling Season | April 13 to September 30 |
| Crisis Assistance | October 1 to September 30 (year-round) |
| Online Application Processing | May 1 to July 15, 2026 |
| Local Agency Intake | April 13 to September 30, 2026 (or until funds run out) |
LIHEAP funding is limited and can run out before the season ends. Apply as early as possible once the program opens for your season.
Documents Required to Apply
Before you apply, gather the following documents for all household members:
- Photo ID for the applicant (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or official mail)
- Recent utility bill (no more than 30 days old) showing your account number and service address
- Proof of income for all working household members (pay stubs from the past 30 days)
- Proof of unearned income (Social Security award letter, disability benefits, pension statements, unemployment documentation)
- Proof of household composition (birth certificates, school records, or other documentation showing who lives in the home)
If you receive SNAP, SSI, or Medicaid, bring proof of enrollment. Recipients of certain means-tested programs may qualify automatically without a separate income review in some parishes.
How to Apply for Louisiana LIHEAP in 2026
There are three main ways to apply.
Step 1: Find Your Local Agency
Louisiana LIHEAP is administered locally by Community Action Agencies and other parish-level organizations. The Louisiana Housing Corporation maintains an interactive parish map at lhc.la.gov/energy-assistance that lists local providers with phone numbers, addresses, and hours.
You can also call 2-1-1 to be connected to the appropriate agency in your area.
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
In person: Visit your local Community Action Agency during business hours. Bring all required documents. Staff will review your application and verify eligibility on the spot in most cases.
By phone: Many local agencies accept phone applications or can schedule intake appointments. Call your local agency or 2-1-1 to inquire.
Online: The LHC offers an online application portal during the cooling season. For 2026, online applications are processed for payment between May 1 and July 15. Visit lhc.la.gov to check if the portal is currently open.
By mail: Some agencies accept mailed applications with supporting documents. Contact your local agency to confirm this option.
Step 3: Complete the Application
During the application you will provide:
- Household size and member information
- Current income for all household members
- Utility account details
- Signature authorizing the benefit to be paid to your utility provider
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. The benefit is paid directly to your utility company once approved. You should receive a notice of the decision and the amount paid on your behalf.
Step 5: Follow Up if Needed
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Contact your local agency to request a review. If your situation is urgent (pending disconnection), let the agency know immediately to request crisis consideration.
Louisiana-Specific LIHEAP Providers
While the LHC oversees the program statewide, local agencies handle applications parish by parish. Some of the major providers include:
- Acadiana Community Action Agency -- Serves parishes in the Acadiana region
- Community Advancement, Inc. -- Serves parishes in the Baton Rouge area
- Jefferson Community Action Programs (JeffCAP) -- Serves Jefferson Parish
- Calcasieu Parish Human Services -- Serves Calcasieu Parish
- Community Action Agency of Greater New Orleans -- Serves Orleans and surrounding parishes
Use the parish map at lhc.la.gov or call 2-1-1 to find the agency that serves your specific zip code.
Other Energy Assistance Options in Louisiana
If you do not qualify for LIHEAP or need additional help, consider these options:
Utility Company Assistance Programs: Entergy Louisiana and Cleco both offer low-income customer assistance programs with reduced rates or payment plans. Contact your utility provider directly to ask about hardship programs.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Louisiana also offers weatherization services to help make your home more energy efficient. Eligible households may receive free insulation, sealing, or equipment upgrades. Income limits for WAP are similar to LIHEAP.
211 Louisiana: Call or text 211 to find additional local resources for utility assistance, including one-time emergency funds from churches and nonprofits.
SNAP and Medicaid: If you are struggling with energy costs, you may also qualify for food assistance through SNAP or health coverage through Louisiana Medicaid. Use the free eligibility screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check multiple programs at once.
Check Your Full Benefits Eligibility
LIHEAP is one of more than a dozen assistance programs available to Louisiana residents. Many people who qualify for LIHEAP also qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or other programs they are not currently receiving.
Our free screener checks your eligibility across all major federal and state programs in about two minutes. Visit benefitsusa.org/screener to see what you may qualify for, or explore more Louisiana assistance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Louisiana LIHEAP in 2026?
Louisiana uses 60% of the State Median Income as its cutoff, which is higher than the federal 150% FPL floor. For a single person, the 2026 annual limit is approximately $30,618. For a family of four, it is approximately $58,882. See the full table above for all household sizes.
Can renters apply for Louisiana LIHEAP?
Yes. Renters can apply if they pay their utility bills directly. If utilities are included in your rent, you may still qualify in some cases, but contact your local agency to confirm. You will need to show that energy costs are included in your rent payment.
How much money will I get from Louisiana LIHEAP?
Heating and cooling benefits range from $200 to $800 per season. Crisis assistance can provide up to $1,000. The exact amount depends on your income, household size, and energy costs. Payments go directly to your utility provider, not to you as cash.
How long does it take to get approved?
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks after submitting a complete application. If you have an urgent situation such as a disconnection notice, inform your local agency right away so they can expedite consideration for crisis assistance.
Can I get both heating and cooling assistance in the same year?
Yes. Louisiana LIHEAP provides separate heating and cooling benefits. You can receive one of each per program year. You cannot receive two heating benefits or two cooling benefits in the same season.
What if I was already disconnected?
If your utility service has been shut off, contact your local Community Action Agency immediately and explain the situation. Crisis assistance is available year-round and can sometimes help reconnect service. Bring your disconnection notice and any shutoff documentation to your appointment.
Do I have to be a citizen to apply?
U.S. citizenship is not required for LIHEAP. Legal permanent residents and certain qualified non-citizens may be eligible. Contact your local agency for specifics on documentation requirements for non-citizen applicants.
Where do I apply for LIHEAP in Louisiana?
Apply through your local Community Action Agency or parish-level LIHEAP provider. Find your local office at lhc.la.gov/energy-assistance or by calling 2-1-1. The LHC also has an online portal available during the cooling season (May 1 to July 15, 2026 for payment processing).
What if my application is denied?
You have the right to appeal a denial. Contact your local agency within the timeframe stated in your denial notice to request a formal review. You can also contact the Louisiana Housing Corporation at lhc.la.gov for guidance on the appeals process.
