Ten Things To Know About The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Liheap)

The information contained in this article applies to October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

1. Benefit.  LIHEAP is a federally funded program.  It will pay for heating, of all fuel types, even if your heat is included in the rent.
2. Income Limit.  The income limit depends on household size.  For household income for one individual, the limit is $50,005 annually.  For a family of twelve, the limit is $144,247 annually.
3. Resource Limit.  There is no resource limit for LIHEAP.  Eligibility is based strictly on income as set forth in paragraph 2 above.
4. Deeming.  There is deeming of income from one household member to another.  This is because the income limits are dependent on total household income.
5. Transfer of Asset Penalty.  There is no transfer of asset penalty, because there is no resource limit for LIHEAP.  There is only an income limit as set forth in paragraph 2 above.
6. Lookback Period.  There is no lookback period, because there is no resource limit.  Eligibility is based solely on income.
7. Penalty Calculation.  This does not apply.
8. Special Need Trust.   A Special Needs Trust is not usually required and may not be possible because eligibility is not based on disability but only on income.
9. Who Can Collect?  A household meeting financial limits can collect.
10. Who Determines Disability?  A Determination of Disability is not required.