Tennessee LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
The income limits below represent 60% of the State Median Income for Tennessee, which is the program's eligibility cutoff for the 2025-2026 program year. Income is calculated based on gross monthly earnings from all sources for every adult in the household.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $2,671 | $32,052 |
| 2 people | $3,492 | $41,904 |
| 3 people | $4,314 | $51,768 |
| 4 people | $5,136 | $61,632 |
| 5 people | $5,958 | $71,496 |
| 6 people | $6,780 | $81,360 |
For households larger than 6 people, contact your local LIHEAP agency for the applicable limit. These figures reflect 60% SMI as applied using federal household-size adjustment factors: 52% of the 4-person benchmark for a 1-person household, scaling up to 132% for a 6-person household.
All household members age 18 and older must have their income counted. Income sources that count include wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, SSI, pension payments, rental income, unemployment compensation, child support, and alimony.
What LIHEAP Covers in Tennessee
Tennessee LIHEAP provides three main types of assistance:
Heating Assistance. Helps pay winter energy bills including natural gas, electricity, propane, fuel oil, wood, and coal. This is the program's primary benefit.
Cooling Assistance. Helps pay summer electricity bills for households with vulnerable members such as elderly residents or those with medical conditions affected by heat.
Crisis Assistance. Emergency help for households facing an immediate energy shutoff or delivery disruption. Crisis applicants who are facing shutoff receive priority for available funds.
Benefit amounts run from $174 to $750, depending on your household's energy burden. The program calculates benefit amounts based on income, household size, fuel type, and the proportion of income you spend on energy. Payments go directly to your utility company or energy supplier, not to you.
Tennessee LIHEAP Benefit Amounts
Your specific benefit amount depends on three factors: household income relative to the income limit, household size, and your home energy costs. Higher energy burdens relative to income receive larger benefits.
| Benefit Type | Amount Range |
|---|
| Standard heating or cooling assistance | $174 to $750 |
| Crisis assistance (shutoff or emergency) | Priority processing, up to available funds |
Some local agencies using supplemental community block grant funds may offer higher maximum amounts, so the figures above represent the baseline LIHEAP-funded benefit. Contact your county agency for the exact amount you may receive.
How to Apply for Tennessee LIHEAP: Step-by-Step
Tennessee processes all LIHEAP applications through the THDA SmartSimple online portal. The 2025-2026 application period opened November 1, 2025.
Step 1: Create an account or log in at the THDA SmartSimple portal.
Go to thda.smartsimple.us. You need a valid email address to register. The application cannot be completed without one.
Step 2: Gather required documents before starting.
Have the following ready before you begin:
- Proof of identity for all household members (government-issued ID, birth certificates)
- Proof of all income for the past 30 days for everyone age 18 and older (pay stubs, award letters for Social Security or SSI, unemployment statements)
- Energy account history for the past 12 months for all energy providers at your address
- Most recent utility bill(s)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Current lease or proof of residency
Step 3: Complete and submit the online application.
Fill in all required fields. Upload or attach the supporting documents as requested. Submit the application through the SmartSimple portal.
Step 4: Wait for contact from your local agency.
After you submit, your application goes to the local LIHEAP agency serving your county. A caseworker will review your documents and may contact you for additional information. If funds are delayed due to federal allocation timing, eligible applicants are placed on a waiting list.
Step 5: Payment goes directly to your energy provider.
If approved, LIHEAP does not send money to you. The agency pays your utility company or energy supplier directly on your behalf.
Need in-person help? Contact the LIHEAP agency serving your county. THDA's 19 local agencies cover all 95 counties. Call THDA at 615-815-2200 or visit thda.org to find your county's agency. Some agencies also accept walk-in applications.
2026 Funding Status
Federal LIHEAP funding for the 2026 program year faced temporary delays due to the federal government shutdown that began in late 2025. As of early 2026, local agencies including ETHRA (serving Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Morgan, Scott, and Union counties) began accepting applications and placing eligible households on a waiting list while awaiting the release of federal funds. Households facing an energy shutoff are given priority for any available crisis funds.
If you applied and are waiting, keep your application active and make sure your contact information is current with your local agency.
Tennessee LIHEAP Application Tips
Apply as early as possible. Funding is limited and programs often close once funds run out. Do not wait until you receive a shutoff notice.
Apply even if you are not behind on bills. LIHEAP is an income-based program, not a crisis-only program. You can apply for heating or cooling assistance as a preventive benefit.
Roommates count as household members. If you share utilities with roommates, everyone living at your address and sharing the utility bill counts as part of your household for eligibility and income calculation purposes.
Income from all adults counts. Every person age 18 and older living in the household must report their income. There are no exceptions based on family relationship.
You can receive LIHEAP and other assistance simultaneously. Receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or other benefits does not disqualify you from LIHEAP, and LIHEAP does not count as income for those programs.
Other Energy Assistance Programs in Tennessee
If you do not qualify for LIHEAP or need additional help, consider these programs:
Dollar Energy Fund. Some Tennessee utility companies partner with Dollar Energy Fund to offer supplemental utility assistance. Contact your local utility provider to ask if they participate.
Utility company assistance programs. Most major Tennessee utilities, including TVA local power companies, offer their own low-income assistance programs. Call your utility's customer service line and ask about financial hardship programs.
Community Action Agencies. Local community action agencies may have additional emergency utility funds through Community Services Block Grants (CSBG). These funds operate separately from LIHEAP.
Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). TDHS administers SNAP, Medicaid (TennCare), and other programs that may reduce your overall cost of living even if they do not pay energy bills directly. Visit tn.gov/humanservices to learn more.
Use our free benefits screener to check what other programs you may qualify for based on your household income and situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for LIHEAP in Tennessee in 2026?
The income limit is 60% of the State Median Income. For a household of 4, that is approximately $5,136 per month or $61,632 per year. A household of 1 must earn no more than $2,671 per month, and a household of 6 must earn no more than $6,780 per month.
When does Tennessee LIHEAP open for applications?
The 2025-2026 LIHEAP application period opened November 1, 2025 at 8:00 AM CST. Applications are accepted through the THDA SmartSimple portal. The program runs until funds are exhausted, so apply early.
How much can I get from LIHEAP in Tennessee?
Tennessee LIHEAP benefits range from $174 to $750 depending on your household's income, size, fuel type, and energy burden. Crisis assistance for households facing shutoff is prioritized from available funds.
Does LIHEAP money go to me directly?
No. All LIHEAP payments in Tennessee go directly to your utility company or energy supplier. You will not receive a check or direct deposit.
Can renters apply for Tennessee LIHEAP?
Yes. Renters can qualify if they pay their own utility bills. Renters whose utilities are included in rent may also qualify if the landlord provides documentation, but this varies by agency.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify?
Tennessee does not impose citizenship requirements beyond those set by federal LIHEAP law. The program is open to eligible households regardless of citizenship status, though agencies may require identity documentation.
What if I am facing an energy shutoff right now?
Contact your local LIHEAP agency immediately and explain that you are facing a shutoff. Crisis applicants receive priority for any available funds. You can also call 2-1-1 (Tennessee's social services helpline) to be connected with emergency energy assistance resources in your area.
Can I apply for LIHEAP if I already receive SNAP or Medicaid?
Yes. Receiving SNAP, TennCare (Medicaid), or SSI does not disqualify you from LIHEAP. In some states, receiving certain benefits creates categorical eligibility for LIHEAP, but Tennessee uses the 60% SMI standard as its primary test regardless of other program participation.
Where do I apply for LIHEAP in Tennessee?
Apply online at the THDA SmartSimple portal: thda.smartsimple.us. For in-person or county-specific help, contact your local LIHEAP agency by calling THDA at 615-815-2200 or visiting thda.org.
What documents do I need for a Tennessee LIHEAP application?
You need proof of identity for all household members, proof of income for the past 30 days for all adults, energy account history for the past 12 months, your most recent utility bills, Social Security numbers for all household members, and proof of your current address.
For more Tennessee benefits resources and a free eligibility check across 11 programs, visit our Tennessee benefits page or use the benefits screener now.
