Mississippi LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
To qualify for LIHEAP in Mississippi, your household gross income must fall at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). Mississippi uses this threshold for heating, cooling, and crisis assistance. For weatherization assistance, the limit is 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
The table below shows the approximate monthly and annual income limits at 60% SMI for 2026. These figures are based on the current federal LIHEAP guidance and may be adjusted slightly by MDHS.
| Household Size | Approximate Monthly Limit | Approximate Annual Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $2,228 | $26,736 |
| 2 people | $2,914 | $34,968 |
| 3 people | $3,599 | $43,188 |
| 4 people | $4,285 | $51,420 |
| 5 people | $4,970 | $59,640 |
| 6 people | $5,656 | $67,872 |
For households larger than 6 people, add approximately $686 per additional person to the monthly limit. Contact your local Community Action Agency or MDHS for exact figures if your household size falls outside this table.
LIHEAP in Mississippi has no asset limit, meaning savings and property do not count against your eligibility.
Who Counts as a Household Member?
Everyone living at your address and sharing energy costs is generally counted as part of your household. This includes roommates if they are covered under the same utility account. Live-in caregivers and family members who reside with you are included in the count.
If you rent and your landlord pays the utility bill, you may still qualify if energy costs are factored into your rent, though you will need documentation to verify this.
Priority Households
Mississippi gives priority to vulnerable households when funds are limited. If your household includes any of the following, you will typically receive an appointment sooner and may be first in line when funds run out:
- Adults age 60 or older
- Household members with a documented disability
- Children age 5 or younger
Eligible households that do not fall into a priority category are still served as long as funding is available, but they may wait longer for an appointment.
What LIHEAP Covers
Mississippi LIHEAP pays for most home energy sources, including:
- Electricity
- Natural gas
- Propane and liquid petroleum (LP) gas
- Kerosene and heating oil
- Wood and wood pellets (in some cases)
Benefits cannot be used for gasoline, vehicle fuel, or energy costs at a business location.
Benefit Amounts
LIHEAP benefit amounts in Mississippi vary based on household income, household size, type of fuel used, and your home's primary heating source. The program caps assistance at $1,500 per household per year across all benefit types. Crisis assistance is also capped at $1,500 per incident.
Weatherization assistance, which helps reduce long-term energy costs through home improvements like insulation and weather-stripping, is a separate benefit with a maximum of $12,000 per household. Weatherization eligibility uses a higher income threshold (200% FPL).
How to Apply for Mississippi LIHEAP in 2026
Mississippi uses a two-step process for LIHEAP applications: an online pre-application followed by an in-person appointment at your local CAA.
Step 1: Submit a Pre-Application Online
Go to the Access MS portal at accessms.mdhs.ms.gov and create or log in to your account. When prompted to select programs, choose "Community Services" to indicate you are applying for LIHEAP. Complete the pre-application with your household information and income details.
Step 2: Wait for Your Appointment Notice
After submitting, your local Community Action Agency will receive your pre-application and contact you to schedule an appointment. Priority households (elderly, disabled, or with young children) should receive an appointment within 30 business days. Other households may wait up to 45 business days.
You will receive notice of your appointment by mail or email, depending on the contact preference you indicated.
Step 3: Attend Your In-Person Appointment
Bring as many required documents as you can to your appointment. A CAA staff member will help you complete the full LIHEAP application and let you know if anything else is needed. Missing a document should not cause you to miss your appointment -- go anyway and work with the staff on obtaining any outstanding paperwork.
Step 4: Receive a Decision
After your appointment, the CAA will review your application and documents. If approved, payment goes directly to your utility company. You should receive written notification of the decision by mail.
Required Documents
Bring the following to your appointment:
- Photo ID for all adult household members (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security cards for every person in the household, including children
- Proof of income -- recent pay stubs (last 30 days), most recent tax return, Social Security award letters, unemployment benefit statements, or other documentation of all household income
- Proof of residency -- a current utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement showing your address
- Energy bill -- a current bill from your utility provider showing the account holder's name and address. If your landlord pays the energy bill, bring a copy of your lease and any documentation showing that energy costs are included in your rent.
Households that receive SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI may have a simplified application process in some counties since income has already been verified by another agency. Ask your CAA caseworker if this applies to you.
Application Timing
LIHEAP funds are allocated by fiscal year and are not guaranteed to last the entire program period. Mississippi's heating season runs from October 1 through April 30, and cooling season runs from May 1 through September 30.
Apply as early as possible when each season opens. In past years, some counties exhausted cooling assistance funds before the season ended. Crisis assistance is available year-round but also subject to fund availability.
You cannot apply online and receive same-day benefits. Plan ahead, especially if you are approaching a shutoff date. If you are in an emergency situation with an imminent shutoff, request crisis assistance specifically when you contact MDHS or your local CAA.
Finding Your Local Community Action Agency
LIHEAP services in Mississippi are not delivered directly by MDHS -- they go through Community Action Agencies that serve specific counties. To find your CAA:
Each of Mississippi's 82 counties is served by a CAA, so there is a local office regardless of where you live in the state.
LIHEAP vs. Other Energy Assistance in Mississippi
LIHEAP is one of several programs that can help with energy costs in Mississippi.
| Program | What It Covers | Income Limit |
|---|
| LIHEAP (heating/cooling) | Utility bill payment | 60% SMI |
| LIHEAP (weatherization) | Home energy improvements | 200% FPL |
| Lifeline | Discounted phone/internet | 135% FPL |
| SNAP | Food, not energy directly | 130% FPL gross |
| Medicaid | Health coverage | Varies by category |
If you qualify for LIHEAP, you may also qualify for Lifeline phone discounts and other programs. Use the free screening tool at benefitsusa.org/screener to check eligibility for multiple programs at once.
Mississippi Power and Entergy Mississippi also have their own low-income assistance programs that do not require meeting LIHEAP income limits. Contact your utility provider directly to ask about any available hardship programs.
Renewing LIHEAP Benefits
LIHEAP in Mississippi is not a continuous benefit -- you must reapply each program year. If you received assistance last year, you will need to go through the full application process again when the new program year opens. Your income, household size, and documents will be reviewed fresh each time.
If your situation changes significantly mid-year (job loss, new household member, sudden income reduction), contact your local CAA to ask about options for additional or crisis assistance.
Check Your Eligibility Now
If you are unsure whether your household qualifies for Mississippi LIHEAP or other assistance programs, the free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener can give you a quick estimate based on your income, household size, and state. It covers LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, and more than a dozen other programs in a few minutes.
For Mississippi-specific program information and resources, visit the Mississippi benefits page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for LIHEAP in Mississippi in 2026?
Mississippi LIHEAP uses 60% of the State Median Income as its income threshold. For a household of 1, the limit is approximately $2,228 per month. For a household of 4, it is approximately $4,285 per month. There is no asset limit.
How much can I get from LIHEAP in Mississippi?
LIHEAP benefits in Mississippi are capped at $1,500 per household per year. The actual amount you receive depends on your income, household size, energy type, and the fuel used for your primary heating source. Not all eligible households receive the maximum amount.
Can renters apply for LIHEAP in Mississippi?
Yes. Renters can apply if they pay their own energy bills or if their energy costs are built into their rent. If your landlord pays the utility directly, you will need to document that energy costs are included in your lease.
How long does it take to get LIHEAP in Mississippi?
Priority households (elderly, disabled, or with young children) typically receive an appointment within 30 business days of submitting a pre-application. Other households may wait up to 45 business days. If you have an emergency shutoff notice, request crisis assistance to be seen more quickly.
Does receiving other benefits affect LIHEAP eligibility?
No -- receiving SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or other benefits does not disqualify you from LIHEAP. In some cases, it can speed up the income verification process since your eligibility has already been confirmed by another agency.
Where do I apply for LIHEAP in Mississippi?
Start your application at the Access MS portal (accessms.mdhs.ms.gov). After submitting your pre-application, your local Community Action Agency will contact you to schedule an in-person appointment. You can also call MDHS at 1-800-948-4060 to ask about the process.
Can I get LIHEAP more than once per year in Mississippi?
Standard LIHEAP assistance is generally one time per program year per household. Crisis assistance may be available separately if you face an emergency energy shutoff. Contact your local CAA to ask about crisis benefits if you have an urgent situation.
Is there a deadline to apply for Mississippi LIHEAP?
There is no single hard deadline, but funds are limited. Heating assistance runs October 1 through April 30 and cooling assistance runs May 1 through September 30. Apply early in each season, as some counties run out of funds before the season ends.
