Tennessee's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying households cover heating and cooling costs. Administered by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) through a network of 19 local agencies covering all 95 counties, the program pays energy suppliers directly on your behalf. Benefits for the 2025-2026 program year range from $174 to $750 depending on your household's energy burden. This guide covers who qualifies, what documents you need, and exactly how to submit your application.
What Is LIHEAP in Tennessee?
LIHEAP is a federally funded grant program that helps low-income households pay home energy bills. In Tennessee, THDA oversees the program and distributes funds to local Community Action Agencies. Those local agencies handle applications, process approvals, and send payments directly to your utility company or energy supplier. You never receive a check. The assistance covers:
- Heating assistance for winter utility bills
- Cooling assistance for summer electricity costs
- Crisis assistance for households facing disconnection or an emergency energy situation
All three assistance types are available year-round in Tennessee, subject to available funding.
Tennessee LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
To qualify, your household's gross monthly income must fall at or below 60% of the Tennessee State Median Income. There is no asset limit. Below are the approximate monthly gross income thresholds by household size.
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|
| 1 person | $2,671 |
| 2 people | $3,492 |
| 3 people | $4,314 |
| 4 people | $5,136 |
| 5 people | $5,958 |
| 6 people | $6,780 |
For households larger than 6, contact your local LIHEAP agency for the applicable limit. These figures are based on 60% of the Tennessee State Median Income and are updated annually.
Households that already receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SNAP (food stamps), TANF, or certain means-tested veterans benefits may be automatically income-eligible. Confirm with your local agency when you apply.
Who Qualifies for Tennessee LIHEAP?
To be eligible, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Residency - You must live in Tennessee and be applying for the address where you live.
- Income - Your household gross monthly income must be at or below the limits in the table above (60% of State Median Income).
- Energy costs - Your household must have a home energy cost, either directly through a utility bill or indirectly included in your rent.
- Citizenship or qualified status - At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
There is no asset or resource limit. You do not need to own your home to apply. Renters qualify as long as they have some responsibility for energy costs.
Priority Households
Tennessee gives priority to households with the highest energy burdens and lowest incomes. Households that include a person aged 60 or older, a person with a disability, or a young child (under age 6) typically receive priority when funds are limited.
What Documents Do You Need?
Gather the following before starting your application. Having everything ready reduces processing delays.
- Proof of identity for the applicant (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of residency (current utility bill, lease, or mail with your address)
- Proof of income for all household members earning income in the past 30 days (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, pension statement, unemployment benefit letter)
- Social Security numbers for all household members, or proof of citizenship/qualified immigrant status
- Current energy bill or account number showing your utility provider and account details
- Proof of any benefits received (SSI, SNAP, TANF award letters) if claiming automatic income eligibility
If you rent and heat is included in your rent, bring a copy of your lease showing that utility costs are included.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in Tennessee: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Confirm the Application Window
THDA opens the LIHEAP application portal on November 1 each program year. Applications for the 2025-2026 program opened on November 1, 2025 at 8:00 AM CST. If you are outside this window, you can still contact your local agency to be placed on a waiting list, especially during periods when federal funds have been delayed.
Step 2: Go to the THDA LIHEAP Portal
Tennessee moved to an entirely online application system through the SmartSimple portal. Visit the THDA LIHEAP portal at:
https://thda.smartsimple.us/iface/index.jsp
You will need to create an account or log in to begin.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Fill out all required fields in the online form. You will provide:
- Household member names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers
- Total gross income for each household member
- Current utility provider and account number
- Information about your housing situation (renter or homeowner)
Be as accurate as possible. Errors or missing information will delay processing.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
After completing the form, upload scanned copies or clear photos of all required documents listed above. The portal accepts standard file formats. If you do not have access to a scanner, your local Community Action Agency can help you scan and submit documents in person.
Step 5: Submit and Track Your Application
Once you submit, save or print your confirmation. Your local LIHEAP agency will review your application and contact you if additional information is needed. Processing times vary by agency and funding availability.
Step 6: Payment Goes Directly to Your Utility
If approved, THDA or your local agency sends payment directly to your energy provider. You do not need to do anything else to trigger payment. Watch your utility account for the credit to appear.
How to Find Your Local Tennessee LIHEAP Agency
Tennessee has 19 local LIHEAP agencies serving all 95 counties. If you need in-person help completing your application or uploading documents, contact the agency for your county. THDA maintains a downloadable contact directory on their website at thda.org.
A few regional agencies include:
- ETHRA (East Tennessee) - Serving Knox, Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Union counties and more
- Knoxville-Knox County CAC - Serving Knox County
- CMCCAA - Serving Cumberland, Morgan, and other Middle Cumberland counties
- Northwest Tennessee EDC - Serving the northwest region
Call THDA directly at 615-815-2200 if you are unsure which agency serves your county.
How Much Assistance Can You Receive?
For the 2025-2026 program year, THDA has set the following assistance ranges:
| Assistance Type | Benefit Range |
|---|
| Heating assistance | $174 to $750 |
| Cooling assistance | $174 to $750 |
| Crisis assistance | Varies by need |
Benefit amounts depend on your household income, household size, energy costs, and the type of fuel you use. Households with the lowest incomes and highest energy costs relative to income receive the largest benefits.
2026 Funding Note
Due to federal budget delays in early 2026, Tennessee experienced a gap in LIHEAP funding. During such periods, THDA and local agencies may continue accepting applications and place eligible households on a waiting list until federal funds are released. If you apply and are told funds are temporarily unavailable, stay on the waiting list. Once funds are awarded to Tennessee, payments are processed in the order applications were received.
Other Energy Assistance Programs in Tennessee
If LIHEAP funds run out or you do not qualify, other options may be available:
- LIHEAP Crisis Assistance - Separate emergency component for households facing imminent disconnection or a heating/cooling emergency
- Utility Assistance from Local Nonprofits - Many Community Action Agencies and faith-based organizations have emergency utility funds separate from LIHEAP
- Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) EnergyRight - TVA offers energy efficiency programs that can lower your bills over time
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) - Also administered by THDA, WAP provides free home weatherization services to reduce energy use for income-qualifying households
You may qualify for multiple programs. Run a free eligibility check at BenefitsUSA.org/screener to see all programs you may be eligible for based on your household size and income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers LIHEAP in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) administers LIHEAP at the state level. Local Community Action Agencies handle individual applications across all 95 Tennessee counties.
When does the Tennessee LIHEAP application open?
Applications for the 2025-2026 program year opened on November 1, 2025. The program typically opens each year on November 1. Contact your local agency outside this window to get on a waiting list.
Can renters apply for LIHEAP in Tennessee?
Yes. Renters can apply as long as they have some responsibility for energy costs. This includes paying a utility bill directly or having heat or electricity costs bundled into their rent. Bring a copy of your lease if energy is included in your rent.
Is there an asset or savings limit for Tennessee LIHEAP?
No. Tennessee LIHEAP has no asset limit. You are not penalized for having a savings account, a car, or other assets. Eligibility is based entirely on household income and size.
How long does it take to get LIHEAP benefits in Tennessee?
Processing times vary by agency and funding availability. Once approved, payment typically reaches your utility provider within a few weeks. During high-volume periods or funding delays, it may take longer.
Can I get LIHEAP if I receive SNAP or SSI?
Possibly. Households that receive SNAP, SSI, TANF, or certain means-tested veterans benefits may qualify automatically under categorical eligibility rules. Bring your award letter when you apply.
What if I am facing disconnection and cannot wait?
Contact your local LIHEAP agency immediately and ask about crisis assistance. The crisis component is designed for households in emergency situations, including imminent disconnection or a broken heating/cooling system. Some agencies can expedite crisis applications.
Does LIHEAP cover propane or natural gas, or only electric heat?
LIHEAP in Tennessee covers all primary home heating fuels, including electricity, natural gas, propane, and deliverable fuels like heating oil and wood. The program assists with any fuel used as your primary heating source.
Not sure if you qualify for LIHEAP or other assistance programs? Check your eligibility in minutes with the free Benefits Navigator screener. See all programs you may qualify for in Tennessee, including Medicaid (TennCare), SNAP, and more. Visit our Tennessee benefits guide for a complete overview of state programs.
