LIHEAP Income Calculator: 2026 Poverty Guidelines Check

The two biggest federal energy help programs both start with an income test. LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps pay heating and cooling bills. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) makes homes more efficient for free. This LIHEAP income calculator compares your income with the 2026 federal poverty guidelines so you know where you stand before you call.

How the calculation works

The calculator looks up the 2026 poverty guideline for your household size and location, then shows your income as a percent of it, plus the 150 percent and 200 percent levels.

Poverty guideline = base amount + per-person amount × (household size − 1)
Your percent      = household income ÷ poverty guideline × 100
150% level        = poverty guideline × 1.5
200% level        = poverty guideline × 2

The 2026 guidelines come from HHS, published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2026:

Why 150 percent? Federal law lets states set LIHEAP income limits up to the greater of 150 percent of the poverty guideline or 60 percent of state median income, and bars states from excluding households under 110 percent of the guideline on income alone (42 U.S.C. 8624). So 150 percent is the federal ceiling based on the poverty guideline, not a minimum. Many states use a lower or higher limit.

Why 200 percent? Federal weatherization rules make households at or below 200 percent of the poverty level eligible (10 CFR 440.22). DOE adds that households receiving Supplemental Security Income qualify, and states may use 60 percent of state median income instead (DOE).

Worked example

The default inputs: a household of 4 in the 48 contiguous states with $45,000 a year in income before taxes.

1. 2026 poverty guideline for 4 people: $15,960 + 3 × $5,680 = $33,000.
2. Your percent: $45,000 ÷ $33,000 × 100 = 136 percent.
3. 150 percent level: $49,500. 200 percent level: $66,000.

At 136 percent, this household is under both levels. It could qualify for LIHEAP in states that use the full 150 percent limit, and is income-eligible for weatherization under the 200 percent rule.

A second example

A two-person household in Alaska earns $50,000. The Alaska guideline for two people is $27,050, so the household is at 185 percent. That is above the 150 percent level ($40,575) but under the 200 percent weatherization level ($54,100). Alaska’s LIHEAP program could still qualify them if it uses 60 percent of state median income, so they should ask.

A three-person household in Ohio earning $60,000 is at 220 percent of the $27,320 guideline, above both federal poverty-based levels. They should still check state median income limits and utility programs.

What your result means

• At or below 150 percent: you are within the poverty-guideline range every state may use for LIHEAP, and within the weatherization level. Apply. Your state may still use a lower cutoff.
• Between 150 and 200 percent: you are within the weatherization level. For LIHEAP, ask whether your state uses 60 percent of state median income, which can be higher.
• Above 200 percent: federal poverty-based levels are behind you, but state median income limits, utility discount programs and local funds may still apply.

Federal law also lets states treat households as eligible for LIHEAP if someone receives TANF, SSI, SNAP or certain veterans’ benefits (42 U.S.C. 8624). If you receive any of these, mention it when you apply.

2026 guideline levels by household size

For the 48 contiguous states and DC, run through the calculator:

State rules, funding and how to apply

States set the details. USA.gov notes that LIHEAP eligibility is based on income but every state and territory has its own requirements. States choose the income limit, which months count, how benefits are sized and when applications open. Some agencies may also be updating to the newest poverty guideline table on their own schedule, so your agency’s table is the one that counts.

Funding. LIHEAP is funded for fiscal year 2026, and HHS released the final share of the year’s funds to states in April 2026 (ACF). Each state gets a fixed amount. Money can run out before the season ends, so apply early. Our energy bill assistance guide walks through the process.

Weatherization. Local agencies schedule the work, and you may have to wait for a slot. DOE explains the steps on its how to apply page.

Other help. If your income is too high for both, check utility payment plans and discount rates, call 211, and see whether your state runs a Home Energy Rebate program for moderate-income households in our rebates by state guide.

Common mistakes

• Using take-home pay. Programs generally count gross income before taxes.
• Leaving people out. Household size changes the guideline a lot. Count everyone who lives and shares costs with you, as your program defines it.
• Assuming 150 percent is guaranteed. It is the most a state may set based on the poverty guideline. Your state may use less.
• Stopping at 200 percent. Programs using 60 percent of state median income can reach higher.
• Waiting for a crisis. Apply before winter or summer peaks; funds can run out.

Limits of this calculator

This calculator only compares your income with federal poverty guideline levels. It does not know your state’s LIHEAP limit, your state median income, asset rules, how your program counts income, or whether funding is available. It does not decide eligibility.

It is an educational estimate, not legal advice or an eligibility determination. Confirm with your local LIHEAP or weatherization agency. To see how heavy your bills are compared with income, try the energy burden calculator. While you wait for help, our guide on how to lower your energy bill lists no-cost steps that start saving right away.