Income Limits for LIHEAP in PA by Household Size

Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP income limits for the 2025-26 season are set at 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. A one-person household qualifies with gross income up to $23,475 a year; a family of four qualifies up to $48,225.¹ The season runs from December 3, 2025, through April 10, 2026.²

2025-26 Income Limits by Household Size

Your total household gross income — everything earned before taxes or deductions — must fall at or below the following:¹

1 person: $23,475 per year ($1,956 per month)
2 people: $31,725 per year ($2,644 per month)
3 people: $39,975 per year ($3,331 per month)
4 people: $48,225 per year ($4,019 per month)
5 people: $56,475 per year ($4,706 per month)
6 people: $64,725 per year ($5,394 per month)
7 people: $72,975 per year ($6,081 per month)
8 people: $81,225 per year ($6,769 per month)
Each additional person: add $8,250 per year ($688 per month)

These figures come from the 2025 federal poverty guidelines, published January 17, 2025.¹ The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services releases new numbers each January, and Pennsylvania updates its thresholds accordingly.³ For any season after 2025-26, check the PA Department of Human Services website for the current limits.

What Counts as Income

LIHEAP counts the gross income of every person living in your household, not just the applicant.⁴ Gross means the full amount earned before any taxes, retirement contributions, or other paycheck deductions. Both earned income (wages, salary, self-employment) and unearned income (Social Security, pensions, child support, unemployment, interest from bank accounts) go into the total.

There is no separate asset or resource test. The balance in your savings account or the value of your car does not affect eligibility, as long as your household’s gross income falls within the limits above.

Who Counts as a Household Member

Your application must list everyone living at the address — all children, adults, relatives, and any unrelated people who share the home and split household expenses.⁵ Their income is added to yours, but listing them also raises your household size, which raises the income limit. Both sides of that calculation matter.

Other Conditions Beyond Income

Income is the main test, but a few other conditions apply.

You must be responsible for your home heating costs. You either pay a utility company or fuel dealer directly, or your rent includes heat. Homeowners and renters both qualify. You do not need to be behind on your bills or have an unpaid balance to apply.⁵

U.S. citizens are eligible. Non-citizens can also qualify if they fall into specific categories, including lawful permanent residents, people granted refugee or asylee status, individuals paroled into the U.S. for at least one year, and certain other groups such as Cuban or Haitian entrants and noncitizens who have experienced domestic violence.⁶ Any non-citizen in the household must submit proof of immigration status with the application.⁵

A Higher Limit for Weatherization

If your income puts you over the cash grant limit, you may still qualify for free weatherization services. Weatherization uses a more generous threshold: 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, which comes to $64,300 for a four-person household in the 2025-26 season.¹ Eligible households get an energy audit and, based on the results, may receive air sealing, added insulation, heating equipment repair or replacement, and water heater fixes at no cost.⁷ You can request weatherization on the same application used for the cash grant.

How to Apply Once You Qualify

If your household income fits within the limits, you can apply online through COMPASS at compass.dhs.pa.gov, by mail using a paper form from the PA DHS website, or in person at your local County Assistance Office.⁵

Have the following ready:

Proof of income for every household member (pay stubs, award letters, employer statements)
A recent heating bill showing your account number and the utility or fuel dealer’s name
Social Security numbers for all household members
Proof of immigration status for any household member who is not a U.S. citizen

Missing or unsubmitted Social Security numbers will make you ineligible, so review the application before you send it.⁸

1
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program State Plan
2
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
3
The LIHEAP Clearinghouse. LIHEAP Income Eligibility for States and Territories
4
Pennsylvania DHS. LIHEAP Handbook – 650.1 General Policy
5
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
6
Pennsylvania DHS. LIHEAP Handbook – 622.2 Noncitizen Eligibility
7
Pennsylvania DHS. LIHEAP Handbook – 698.2 Types of Weatherization Work Performed
8
courts.phila.gov. Application for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)