Mississippi summers and winters both push energy bills to levels that strain household budgets. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered in Mississippi by the Department of Human Services (MDHS) through local Community Action Agencies (CAAs), helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, manage energy crises, and access weatherization improvements. This guide covers exactly what Mississippi LIHEAP covers, who qualifies in 2026, benefit amounts, and how to apply.
What Mississippi LIHEAP Covers
Mississippi LIHEAP offers three distinct types of assistance, each targeting a different energy need:
Heating Assistance (October 1 through April 30)
Regular heating benefits help pay costs for natural gas, electricity, wood, liquid propane, butane, and other home heating fuels. Benefits are paid directly to your utility company or fuel supplier, not to you.
Cooling Assistance (May 1 through September 30)
Cooling assistance covers summer electricity bills for air conditioning. Given Mississippi's heat and humidity, this component is particularly important for elderly residents and households with young children.
Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)
ECIP provides emergency help when a household faces an immediate energy crisis, such as a service shutoff notice or an empty fuel tank. Crisis assistance is available year-round and can be combined with regular LIHEAP benefits in the same program year.
Weatherization Assistance
This component funds improvements that make your home more energy efficient over the long term. Examples include insulation, weather stripping, and HVAC tune-ups. Weatherization is available year-round and has a separate, higher income limit (200% of the Federal Poverty Level) compared to the other components.
2026 Income Limits
Mississippi uses 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) as its income eligibility threshold for heating, cooling, and crisis assistance. This is different from many states that use 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, and it often allows households with slightly higher incomes to qualify.
The table below shows the gross monthly income limits for heating, cooling, and crisis assistance:
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,228 | $26,736 |
| 2 | $2,914 | $34,968 |
| 3 | $3,599 | $43,188 |
| 4 | $4,285 | $51,420 |
| 5 | $4,970 | $59,640 |
| 6 | $5,656 | $67,872 |
For households larger than 6 people, contact your local Community Action Agency for the applicable limit. There is no asset test in Mississippi, meaning savings accounts, vehicles, or property do not affect eligibility.
For weatherization assistance, the income limit is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is higher than the 60% SMI threshold. A family of four would need annual income below approximately $62,400 to qualify for weatherization.
How Much Can You Receive?
Benefit amounts in Mississippi vary based on household income, size, and energy costs. The program does not pay a fixed dollar amount to everyone. Instead, CAA staff calculate your benefit based on these factors.
| Assistance Type | Minimum Benefit | Maximum Benefit |
|---|
| Heating | $1 | $1,500 |
| Cooling | $1 | $1,500 |
| Crisis (ECIP) | not specified | $1,500 |
| Weatherization | not applicable | $12,000 |
A household facing a genuine energy crisis typically receives the maximum available under ECIP. Regular heating and cooling benefits vary more widely. The average benefit for a heating season payment depends on the household's energy burden relative to income, so households with higher energy costs and lower incomes tend to receive larger amounts.
Payments go directly to energy providers. You will not receive a check. Your utility company or fuel supplier will receive the credit on your account.
Who Qualifies for Mississippi LIHEAP
Beyond the income limits above, you must meet these requirements:
- Residency. You must live in Mississippi.
- Citizenship or immigration status. At least one member of the household must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified legal permanent resident.
- Energy burden. You must have an energy bill or an account with an energy company. Renters who pay utilities as part of rent may still qualify if their landlord can document energy costs.
- Income. All household members' gross income must total at or below 60% of the State Median Income (see table above). Income counted includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, pensions, unemployment compensation, and other regular income before taxes.
There is no requirement to own your home. Renters qualify as long as they are responsible for paying energy costs, either directly or through their rent.
Priority Populations
Mississippi gives priority to vulnerable households when funds are limited. If your household includes any of the following, you will be scheduled for an appointment sooner and may receive higher benefit amounts:
- Adults age 60 or older
- Individuals with disabilities
- Children age 5 or younger
If you fall into one of these categories, your appointment should be scheduled within 30 business days of submitting your pre-application. Other households can expect appointments within 45 business days.
How to Apply for Mississippi LIHEAP in 2026
Applying for Mississippi LIHEAP is a two-step process. You start with an online pre-application, then complete a full application at your local CAA.
Step 1: Submit a Pre-Application Online
Go to virtualroma.mdhs.ms.gov and complete the pre-application through the Access MS portal. Select "Community Services" when asked about the type of assistance. This routes your information to the CAA covering your county.
Step 2: Wait for Your Appointment
After your pre-application, the CAA will contact you to schedule an in-person appointment. Priority households (elderly, disabled, or with children age 5 or younger) can expect contact within 30 business days. Other applicants should expect up to 45 business days.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Before your appointment, collect the following:
- Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) for all adult household members
- Social Security cards or proof of Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of current income for all household members (pay stubs, Social Security award letters, benefit statements)
- Proof of current address (utility bill, lease agreement, or mail from a government agency)
- Most recent utility or fuel bills
- For renters whose utilities are included in rent: a letter from your landlord documenting energy costs
Step 4: Attend Your In-Person Appointment
A CAA staff member will walk you through the complete application and verify your documents. If you are missing some documents, attend anyway and bring what you have. Missing documents can sometimes be submitted after the appointment.
Step 5: Receive Your Decision
You will receive a written notice of approval or denial. If approved, payment goes directly to your energy provider. If denied, the notice will explain why and outline your right to appeal.
Where to Apply: Mississippi Community Action Agencies
LIHEAP is administered through the CAA serving your county. Mississippi has CAAs in all 82 counties. To find yours:
- Call MDHS Community Services at 1-800-421-0762
- Visit mdhs.ms.gov/community/liheap for a directory
- Call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-800-342-3009
Some examples of Mississippi CAAs include the South Central Community Action Agency (serving Walthall, Pike, Amite, and other counties) and various county-level agencies across the Delta, Coast, and central Mississippi regions.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Getting Help
Apply early. LIHEAP funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis (with priority given to vulnerable households). Heating assistance applications open October 1. Do not wait until you receive a shutoff notice.
Apply even if you think you might not qualify. Mississippi's 60% SMI threshold is often higher than people expect. A single adult earning $2,200 per month, for example, falls below the income limit for a one-person household.
Contact your utility company in parallel. Mississippi Power, Entergy Mississippi, and other utilities have their own hardship programs. These can supplement or bridge the gap while LIHEAP processes your application.
Keep your appointment even without all documents. CAA staff are there to help. Missing a single document is not a reason to miss your appointment, as the process resets if you do not show.
LIHEAP vs. Other Mississippi Energy Assistance Programs
Mississippi has several programs that can work alongside LIHEAP:
| Program | Who Administers | What It Covers |
|---|
| LIHEAP | MDHS/CAAs | Heating, cooling, crisis, weatherization |
| Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) | MDHS/CAAs | Home energy efficiency improvements |
| Low Income Discount Rate | Entergy Mississippi | Reduced monthly utility rates |
| ECIP (within LIHEAP) | MDHS/CAAs | Emergency shutoff prevention |
| Lifeline Program | FCC/utilities | Reduced phone and internet bills |
You can apply for LIHEAP and the Weatherization Assistance Program through the same CAA. If you receive SNAP benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may automatically qualify for LIHEAP without additional income verification in some cases.
Check Your Full Benefit Eligibility
LIHEAP is just one program that may be available to your household. If you qualify for LIHEAP, you likely qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, and other assistance programs as well. Use the free eligibility screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to see every program you may qualify for, including state-specific Mississippi programs, in one place.
You can also visit the Mississippi state benefits page at benefitsusa.org/states/mississippi for a full overview of assistance programs available to Mississippi residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for LIHEAP in Mississippi in 2026?
The income limit for heating, cooling, and crisis assistance is 60% of the State Median Income. For a household of one, that is approximately $2,228 per month ($26,736 per year). For a household of four, the limit is approximately $4,285 per month ($51,420 per year). Weatherization uses a different threshold of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Does Mississippi LIHEAP pay for both heating and cooling?
Yes. Mississippi offers separate heating assistance (October through April) and cooling assistance (May through September). A household can potentially receive both types of assistance in the same federal fiscal year.
Can renters apply for Mississippi LIHEAP?
Yes. Renters can apply if they are responsible for paying energy costs, either directly through a utility account or through a portion of their rent. If utilities are included in rent, you may still qualify if your landlord can document the energy costs.
How long does it take to get approved for LIHEAP in Mississippi?
After submitting your pre-application, priority households (elderly, disabled, or with children age 5 or younger) should receive an appointment within 30 business days. Other households may wait up to 45 business days. Processing time after your appointment varies by CAA.
What is the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) in Mississippi?
ECIP is the emergency component of Mississippi's LIHEAP program. It provides up to $1,500 to help households facing an imminent shutoff, a disconnect notice, or an empty fuel tank. ECIP is available year-round and uses the same 60% SMI income limit as the rest of LIHEAP.
Will receiving LIHEAP affect my other benefits?
No. LIHEAP benefits do not count as income for other federal assistance programs. Receiving LIHEAP will not reduce your SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI benefits.
What if I am denied Mississippi LIHEAP?
You have the right to appeal a denial. Your denial notice will include instructions for filing an appeal and the deadline to do so. Contact your local CAA or MDHS at 1-800-421-0762 for help with the appeals process.
Can I get LIHEAP and weatherization at the same time?
Yes. Mississippi's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) can be combined with LIHEAP. You apply through the same local CAA. Weatherization has a higher income limit (200% FPL) so even households that do not qualify for regular LIHEAP may qualify for weatherization services.
Does Mississippi LIHEAP have an asset limit?
No. Mississippi does not impose an asset test for LIHEAP. Savings accounts, vehicles, and home equity do not count against you when determining eligibility.
How do I find my local Mississippi LIHEAP office?
Call MDHS Community Services at 1-800-421-0762 or visit mdhs.ms.gov/community/liheap for a list of Community Action Agencies by county. You can also call the national NEAR hotline at 1-800-342-3009.
