Mississippi residents struggling with electricity, heating, or cooling bills may qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Administered through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) and delivered by local Community Action Agencies (CAAs), the program provides one-time payments directly to energy providers on behalf of eligible households. Applications for heating assistance open October 1 and run through April 30. Cooling assistance runs May 1 through September 30. Crisis assistance is available year-round, but funds are limited and typically run out fast.
What Is LIHEAP in Mississippi?
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay energy bills, cover emergency utility shutoffs, and access weatherization services to reduce long-term energy costs. In Mississippi, MDHS's Division of Community Services oversees the program and contracts with Community Action Agencies in all 82 counties to process applications and deliver benefits.
Benefits are paid directly to your utility company, not to you. You will not receive a check. The payment covers a portion or all of the qualifying energy bill depending on your household income, size, and the type of assistance you receive.
Types of Assistance Available
Mississippi LIHEAP offers three types of assistance:
- Heating assistance covers costs for electricity, natural gas, propane, or other primary heating fuels during winter months (October 1 to April 30).
- Cooling assistance covers electricity costs for air conditioning during summer months (May 1 to September 30).
- Crisis assistance is for households facing an immediate emergency, such as a utility shutoff notice, a broken furnace or AC unit, or a dangerous energy situation. Available year-round, pending fund availability.
- Weatherization can provide up to $12,000 in home improvements (insulation, air sealing, equipment upgrades) that lower ongoing energy bills.
Mississippi LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
To qualify, your gross monthly household income must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). There is no asset limit in Mississippi. The table below shows the monthly income thresholds for the most common household sizes.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Gross Income |
|---|
| 1 | $2,228 |
| 2 | $2,914 |
| 3 | $3,599 |
| 4 | $4,285 |
| 5 | $4,970 |
| 6 | $5,656 |
Income includes wages, self-employment, Social Security, SSI, pension, child support, and unemployment. If anyone in your household receives SNAP, SSI, or TANF, you may be automatically income-eligible, though you still need to apply and verify other requirements.
Maximum Benefit Amounts
| Benefit Type | Maximum Amount |
|---|
| Heating | $1,500 |
| Cooling | $1,500 |
| Crisis | $1,500 |
| Weatherization | $12,000 |
Actual benefit amounts vary based on household income, size, and available funding. Applying early in the program season gives you the best chance of receiving the maximum available amount before funds are exhausted.
Who Qualifies for Mississippi LIHEAP?
You generally qualify if you meet all of the following:
- Your household income is at or below 60% of Mississippi's State Median Income (see table above)
- You are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- You have an energy cost obligation, meaning you pay directly for electricity, gas, or heat, or those costs are included in your rent
- You live in Mississippi
LIHEAP counts everyone living at the same address as part of your household, including roommates who share a utility bill. Children, elderly adults, and disabled individuals in the household can help establish priority scheduling for your appointment.
Priority Groups
MDHS gives scheduling priority to households that include:
- Adults age 60 or older
- Individuals with a disability
- Children age 5 or under
Priority applicants should receive their appointment notice within 30 business days of submitting their pre-application. All other applicants should expect scheduling within 45 days.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for LIHEAP in Mississippi
The Mississippi LIHEAP application has two stages: an online pre-application and an in-person appointment at your local Community Action Agency.
Step 1: Submit Your Pre-Application Online
Go to Access.ms.gov and create or log in to your account. Complete the LIHEAP pre-application through the Common Web Portal. This submits your information to the Community Action Agency serving your county.
If you are a first-time applicant, you can also apply through the Virtual ROMA portal at virtualroma.mdhs.ms.gov.
Step 2: Wait for Your Appointment Notice
After submitting, your local CAA will contact you to schedule an in-person appointment. You will receive the appointment notice by mail or email. Priority households (elderly, disabled, families with children under 5) are scheduled within 30 business days. All others within 45 days.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Bring the following to your appointment:
- Photo ID for all household members age 18 and older
- Social Security cards for every household member (adults and children)
- Proof of income for all household members, such as recent pay stubs (last 30 days), SSA award letters, pension statements, or most recent tax return if self-employed
- Your utility bill for the service you need assistance with
- Proof of residence, such as a lease, mortgage statement, or a utility bill in your name showing your address
- Documentation for SNAP, SSI, or TANF if anyone in the household receives those benefits
Bring as many documents as possible, but do not skip your appointment if you are missing something. CAA staff can advise you on how to submit missing documents afterward.
Step 4: Complete Your In-Person Appointment
Attend your scheduled appointment at your local Community Action Agency. A caseworker will review your pre-application, verify your documents, determine your eligibility, and calculate your benefit amount.
Step 5: Receive a Decision
After your appointment, you will receive a notice by mail or email with the approval or denial decision. If approved, the benefit is paid directly to your utility company. If denied, you have the right to appeal.
Step 6: Contact Your CAA for Follow-Up
If you have questions about your application status, missing documents, or need additional support, contact your local CAA. You can find your county's CAA by calling the MDHS Community Services Division at 1-800-421-0762 or visiting mdhs.ms.gov.
Applying by Phone or In Person
If you cannot complete the online pre-application, contact your local Community Action Agency directly by phone to ask about their application process. Many CAAs accept walk-in applications or phone inquiries during business hours. Call the MDHS statewide line at 1-800-421-0762 to be directed to the nearest office.
What Happens After You Apply
Once approved, your utility company receives payment directly from the program. The payment appears as a credit on your account. Most households receive a single annual benefit payment per program type (heating or cooling). If you experience a new emergency after receiving regular assistance, contact your CAA about crisis assistance eligibility.
Mississippi LIHEAP and Other Benefits
LIHEAP eligibility does not affect your eligibility for other programs. If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, or other assistance, you can still apply for LIHEAP. In fact, receiving SNAP or SSI may make it easier to qualify because those programs already verify income at or below federal thresholds.
To see which other benefits you may qualify for in Mississippi, use the free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener. It checks SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, WIC, and other programs based on your household size and income in one place. You can also visit the Mississippi benefits overview page for more state-specific program details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for LIHEAP in Mississippi?
The limit is 60% of Mississippi's State Median Income. For a household of one, the monthly gross income limit is approximately $2,228. For a family of four, it is approximately $4,285. There is no asset test.
Can renters apply for LIHEAP in Mississippi?
Yes. If your utility costs are included in your rent, you may still qualify. You will need to provide documentation showing the energy cost is bundled into your rental payment.
Does Mississippi LIHEAP pay rent or only energy bills?
LIHEAP only covers energy-related costs, such as electricity, natural gas, propane, or heating fuel. It does not cover rent unless rent includes a verified heating or cooling component.
How long does it take to get LIHEAP assistance in Mississippi?
After submitting your online pre-application, priority applicants (elderly, disabled, or households with young children) receive an appointment within 30 business days. Other applicants are scheduled within 45 days. Benefit processing time after approval varies by county.
Can I get LIHEAP more than once a year?
Regular heating and cooling assistance is typically available once per program season. Crisis assistance may be available separately if you face an emergency later in the year, subject to available funding.
What if I am behind on my utility bill or facing a shutoff?
Apply for crisis assistance, which is available year-round. Contact your local Community Action Agency as soon as possible and let them know you are facing a shutoff. CAA staff may be able to expedite processing for urgent situations.
Is LIHEAP available in all Mississippi counties?
Yes. LIHEAP is offered in all 82 Mississippi counties through local Community Action Agencies, though availability depends on funding levels each program year. Early applications have the best chance of receiving assistance before funds run out.
Where do I find my local Community Action Agency in Mississippi?
Call the MDHS Community Services Division at 1-800-421-0762 or visit mdhs.ms.gov/community for a directory of local agencies by county.
What documents do I need to apply for LIHEAP in Mississippi?
You will need photo IDs for adults 18 and older, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income for everyone in the household, your current utility bill, and proof of your address (lease, mortgage, or utility bill).
