About the LIHEAP Eligibility Calculator
This LIHEAP eligibility calculator checks whether your household income is under the limit for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the federal block grant that helps with heating and cooling bills, energy crises and weatherization. Federal law caps eligibility at the greater of 150% of the poverty guidelines or 60% of the state median income (SMI), and says states may not set the limit below 110% of poverty. Within those bounds each state picks its own standard, so the calculator lets you choose the rule your state uses.
Common choices in recent years: many states (for example Alabama, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington) use 150% of poverty for heating help, others such as Ohio use 175% and Iowa 200% (FY 2026 figures from the LIHEAP Clearinghouse), and a large group including California, New York, Georgia and Massachusetts use 60% of state median income. For an SMI state, enter the four-person state median income published by your LIHEAP office; the calculator adjusts it for household size with the federal percentages (52% for one person up to 132% for six).
Poverty figures use the 2026 HHS guidelines, which LIHEAP grantees must adopt by the start of federal fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026). Households where someone receives SNAP, SSI, TANF or certain VA benefits can be treated as eligible automatically if the state chooses. Funding is limited and help is often first come, first served, so apply early in the season.
How to use the liheap eligibility calculator
- 1Enter your household size and choose the 48 states, Alaska or Hawaii.
- 2Enter gross household income and pick how often it is received.
- 3Select your state’s LIHEAP income standard (150% of poverty, 60% of SMI, etc.).
- 4If your state uses SMI, enter the 4-person state median income it publishes.
- 5Compare your income with the limit and apply at your local community action agency.
Formula and method
For a poverty-based state, the limit is the chosen percentage times the 2026 HHS poverty guideline for your household size. For an SMI-based state, the four-person state median income is first adjusted for household size using the federal LIHEAP percentages in 45 CFR 96.85 — 52%, 68%, 84%, 100%, 116% and 132% for one to six people, plus 3 percentage points for each additional person — and then multiplied by the state’s share (usually 60%).
Federal law (42 U.S.C. 8624) caps eligibility at the greater of 150% of poverty or 60% of SMI, so when you enter your state median income a poverty-based standard above that cap is reduced to it. States may not deny a household solely on income if income is below 110% of poverty. Income is gross yearly income; if you enter a monthly or weekly figure it is annualized (×12, ×52 and so on). States may count income over the last 30 days or 12 months and may exclude some sources.
- FPL(n)
- 2026 poverty guideline for n people
- p
- State percentage of poverty (e.g. 1.50)
- SMI₄
- State median income for a four-person household
- A(n)
- Household-size adjustment (0.52 for 1 person … 1.32 for 6)
- s
- State share of SMI (usually 0.60)
Worked examples
Family of 4 earning $45,000 in a 150%-of-poverty state
The 2026 poverty guideline for 4 is $33,000, so the 150% limit is $49,500 a year ($4,125 a month). Income of $45,000 is $4,500 under the limit, so the household passes the income test.
Household of 3 in a 60%-of-SMI state
A four-person SMI of $120,000 is adjusted to 84% for three people ($100,800), and 60% of that is $60,480. Income of $5,200 a month is $62,400 a year — $1,920 over the limit.
Single senior in a 200%-of-poverty state, on SSI
200% of the $15,960 one-person guideline is $31,920. Income of $33,000 is $1,080 over that limit, but because the household gets SSI the state can treat it as eligible without an income test. (A 200% standard is lawful only where it does not exceed 60% of the state median income.)
Frequently asked questions
What is the LIHEAP income limit for 2026–27?+
It depends on your state. The federal maximum is the greater of 150% of poverty or 60% of state median income. At 150% of the 2026 guidelines that is $23,940 for one person, $32,460 for two and $49,500 for a family of four in the 48 states.
How do I find my state median income for LIHEAP?+
HHS publishes state median income estimates each year for LIHEAP, and the LIHEAP Clearinghouse lists each state’s 60% figures by household size. Your state LIHEAP or community action agency website will also show its income chart.
Does getting SNAP or SSI qualify me for LIHEAP?+
Federal law allows states to make households eligible if a member receives SNAP, SSI, TANF or certain veterans’ pension payments, without a separate income test. Most states use this, but you still need to apply.
How much LIHEAP assistance will I get?+
Benefit amounts are set by each state and depend on income, household size, fuel type and energy costs. Typical one-time heating benefits range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000, and crisis payments can be added if you face a shutoff.
Is LIHEAP income gross or net?+
Most states use gross household income before taxes, counted over the last 30 days, 3 months or 12 months. Some exclude certain income such as SNAP or student aid. Check your state’s application for the exact rules.
When should I apply for LIHEAP?+
Heating programs usually open between October and December and run until funds are gone, so apply as early as possible. Crisis help is often available year-round, and some states run summer cooling programs.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Rates, fees and terms vary — confirm with your lender or a licensed advisor before making decisions.