Subsidized and Rental Household Eligibility and Benefits

[Last updated: 12/23/2023]

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Alabama
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

Alaska
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comment		Renters who live in subsidized housing, pay for their own heat, and receive a utility allowance will receive a benefit equal to 50% of what they would have received if they did not get the utility allowance. If they live in subsidized housing and all utilities are included, they do not qualify for a heating assistance benefit because they have no costs. Renters living in non-subsidized housing, whose lease states that heat is included in their rent. do qualify because their lease states that heat is part of their included housing costs. If the lease does not state this fact, they do not qualify.

American Samoa
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

Arizona
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

Arkansas
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comment		(1) Any household, regardless of size, that has at least one member who is 60 or over or a disabled member during the month of application cannot have more than $3,250 in assets. The limit is $2,250 for all other households. (2) Applications are mailed to SNAP households where children under 6, elderly persons, or persons with a disability live prior to the LIHEAP winter program start date. Applicants are advised that applications are processed and paid on a first come basis. (3) When utilities are included in the rent for households with subsidized housing or receiving utility stipends the household will no longer be eligible for LIHEAP benefits. (4) When utilities are included in the rent for households with unsubsidized housing the household must demonstrate that the household contributes thirty percent (30%) or more of their income towards the rent or energy cost(s), the household is responsible for one hundred percent

California
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

Colorado
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

Connecticut
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

Delaware
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comment		The policy for renters living in subsidized housing when heat is not included in the rent is that State specifies the flat payment and the ceiling amount for the rent per month. If rent in subsidized housing is greater than the ceiling amount specified by the State, then the LIHEAP benefit is issued according to the LIHEAP DEAP Benefit Matrix.

District of Columbia
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comment		Applicants that are residents of subsidized housing or residents of a dwelling unit where utilities are included in the rent must provide proof in the form of a utility bill that they or a household member are directly responsible for paying their own energy costs.

Florida
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

Georgia
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No*
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No*
Comment		*Georgia offers LIHEAP assistance to renters who live in subsidized housing if their utility bill is in their name or the renter can verify an energy burden. Renters whose utilities are included in the rent are not eligible for LIHEAP assistance unless the renter can verify an energy burden. We give priority service to the elderly and disabled homebound. They are allowed to apply for services one month prior to the program opening to the general public. We require that all applicants provide an individual bill for the residence applying for assistance. During the general public application period, crisis applicants must provide an individual bill and are given priority consideration.

Hawaii
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comment		Renters with utilities included in rent are not eligible for LIHEAP. Applicants must have an account with PUC regulated utility company

Idaho
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

Illinois
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	Yes
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comments		Renters with utilities included in their rent have to verify their rent is greater than 30% of their income for 30 days prior to application in order to be eligible to receive benefits. In addition, the furnace component is for homeowners. Since landlords have legal responsibility to provide heat to their tenants during the winter months, renters are not eligible for Furnace Assistance.

Indiana
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comments		Households containing one of our designated at-risk populations are given an opportunity to apply early. Applicants who rent their home and have utilities included in the rent must provide documentation that they have an out-of-pocket rent responsibility (i.e., that their rent is not 100% subsidized) in order to establish that an energy burden exists.

Iowa
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comments		Households containing an elderly and/or disabled member are allowed to apply on October 1st, while all other households must wait until November 1st. NOTE: Section 2.1 Iowa's eligibility threshold is 200% FPG ($29,160 for a household of 1), which matches Iowa's Weatherization Assistance Program and is less than 60% of Iowa's SMI ($32,607 for a household of 1). Non-subsidized households where all energy utilities are included in the rent are eligible for LIHEAP Regular Assistance because the benefit amount is determined by a matrix, and does not depend on the amount actually owed by the household. These households are not eligible for Crisis Assistance unless they can demonstrate a measurable primary or secondary energy burden. Subsidized households where heat is included in the rent are eligible for LIHEAP Regular Assistance provided they have a secondary energy burden with a utility vendor. Subsidized households where both heat and electric are included in the rent are ineligible because the household's energy burden is already reduced through the housing subsidy.

Kansas
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No
Comments		Renters living in subsidized housing where the heating fuel costs are included in their rent are not eligible for energy assistance.

Kentucky
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No
	Comments	Kentucky gives priority to elderly and disabled individuals by allowing them to preregister. In the Subsidy component, the biggest assistance will be provided to households with the lowest incomes relative to 150% FPL and the biggest heating season energy costs. Once eligibility is established, payment to a household's fuel provider is made for the full benefit amount. For each of the seven primary heating fuels,(natural gas, fuel oil, propane, kerosene, wood and coal), an average cost fo unit of fuel will be identified prior to the opening of the Subsidy application period. Benefits will be structured so the lowest income households with the biggest energy burden receive the highest benefits relative to fuel type. Please see the attached benefit matrix for more information. Applicants who are 60 and above or have disabilities and who receives a fixed income may preregister. For the preregistration process, no benefits are issued until subsidy begins

Louisiana
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Benefits		Renters living in subsidized housing, the amount of the utility allowance is deducted from the total energy cost. Households receiving a utility allowance greater than the utility bill are not eligible. Applicants over 60 years old are exempt from this requirement. Contractors may utilize an appointment system to schedule a specific date and time to complete the application process for the elderly, and persons with disabilities or infirmity

Maine
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No
Comment		Subgrantee will make reasonable and good-faith effort during the first ninety (90) days it takes applications to interview, process, and serve households with direct energy costs and members who are: • At least 60 years of age • Young Children - 72 months (6 years of age) or under • Disabled

Mariana Islands
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

Maryland
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	Yes
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Benefits		Applicants who are renters are eligible to receive energy assistance benefits provided they meet all other eligibility requirements. Specific rental arrangements between the renter (tenant) and the landlord must be verified in order to determine if and how benefits will be paid. Applicants who are renters and pay their heating costs directly must identify their energy supplier and fuel type. Applicants who are renters (including roomers and boarders) and pay their energy costs indirectly as undesignated portions of rent payments are required to furnish the name, address, and phone number of the landlord to whom the rent payments are made. If their application is qualified, benefits will be paid to the landlord and their rent will be reduced accordingly. Applicants who are residents of subsidized housing must provide proof that they are directly responsible for paying their own heating costs and receive a lower benefit level than those with similar incomes that do not have access to subsidized housing since a utility allowance is incorporated into their subsidy.

Massachusetts
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	Yes
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Benefits		For purposes of determining LIHEAP eligibility, there are three types of renters: 1) Those that receive a subsidy; 2) those that live in a rent restricted unit within a Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) building; and 3) all other renters. The LIHEAP benefit is based on the renter and their heating situation. A renter living in a subsidized building or living in a LIHTC building who pays a vendor directly for their heat, or who lives in a subsidized building or a LIHTC building, as described above, with heat included in rent where the monthly rent is more than 30% of the gross LIHEAP monthly income, may be eligible for a partial LIHEAP benefit. Those renters living in subsidized housing or in a LIHTC building with heat included in their rent that pay 30% or less of their gross LIHEAP monthly income towards rent are not eligible for home energy assistance. A renter that does not live in a subsidized building or a LIHTC building, as described above, that either pays their vendor directly for their heat or whose heat cost is included in their rent is eligible for a full LIHEAP benefit.

Michigan
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comments		Renters whose heating costs are included in their rent or if heat service is in someone else’s name, the credit is reduced by 50 percent. Michigan believes that the 50 percent reduction is equitable and within the guidelines of this program since groups whose heat is included in their rent or when the bill is in someone else's name are unable to provide proof of their actual heat obligations and costs. This group is eligible but at a lower benefit amount. HHC allows applicants to provide their actual heating costs therefore those paying actual costs that are greater than the standard credit for the same group size would receive a larger benefit amount.

Minnesota
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No
Benefits		Households must be vulnerable to rising energy costs. For heat included in rent households, rising energy costs can result in higher rent if rent is not government subsidized based on income. Households living in government-subsidized housing with heat and electric included in rent, when rent is solely income-based, are not eligible for energy assistance as they are not vulnerable to rising energy costs.

Mississippi
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No
Comments		The applicant should provide either a copy of their lease; a notarized statement from the landlord detailing the heating/cooling arrangement with the client; or contract with the landlord that verifies the heating/cooling arrangement that the landlord has with the household. Persons/households residing in public/subsidized housing dwelling unless their rent/mortgage includes utilities and they are not being billed for energy cost.

Missouri
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Benefits		LIHEAP eligibility is based on four (4) main areas: 1) Citizenship and Permanent Legal Resident Status – A household member(s) must be a citizen of the United States or be admitted to this country for permanent residence. 2) Resources – Each household’s resources may not exceed $3,000. 3) Responsibility for Heating/Cooling Costs – Each household must establish they have an account in their name or meet the definition of a renter/landlord applicant and are incurring heating/cooling costs. 4) Income Based on Household Size – Each household must meet specified income guidelines (60% of the state median income) based on their household size. Renters: Individuals living in rental property and who are paying a home energy supplier directly for their heating costs receive the same benefit as a similarly situated homeowner. Renters living in Subsidized Housing: Households residing in public subsidized housing with utilities included as an undesignated portion of their monthly rent, provided they can document they are paying energy costs over and above the utility allowance included in their regular monthly rental charge. Renters Utilities included in the Rent: Households with heating costs included as undesignated portion of their monthly rental charge receive a payment equal to 16% of their annual rental costs or the amount they would receive as a home owner, whichever is less.

Montana
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comments		Residents of subsidized housing whose energy costs are included as a portion of their rent or who reside in subsidized housing and have an obligation to pay a base load electric bill are not eligible for a regular LIEAP benefit as determined in ARM 37.70.601. However, these households are eligible for a modified LIEAP benefit. The modified LIEAP benefit is paid at the rate of 5% of the amount of the regular LIEAP benefit as identified by Montana's LIEAP benefit award matrix. A minimum payment of $25 will be paid to the household annually. Basing payments to these households on the matrix will ensure that assistance is provided to them in proportion to need in accordance with LIHEAP statute (42 U.S. Code 8623) Applications and Requirements Section 2605 (b)(5). In order to document the subsidized household has an energy burden the agency will document either: The amount of rent the household pays; or Proof the electric bill is in the client's name. Households determined eligible for the Subsidized Housing Energy Assistance modified LIEAP benefit whose economic and housing situation does not change will be determined LIEAP eligible for a period of five (5) years. The LIEAP application cover letter and the LIEAP application contain statements informing the client to reapply when they move or their circumstances change to continue LIEAP eligibility. In addition, the Office of Public Assistance (SNAP Office) notifies clients of the requirement to reapply when circumstances change or they move to a new dwelling. Residents of subsidized housing whose economic or housing situation changes during the five (5) year eligibility period will need to reapply. The households do not need to wait five (5) years before reapplying.

Nebraska
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comments		For subsidized housing, the household must be responsible for a portion of the heating payment to be eligible for heating. For renters with utilities included in the rent, the household must be responsible for a portion of the heating.

Nevada
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comments		Renters living in subsidized/public housing where all utilities are included in the rent and they are not billed separately for their energy costs are ineligible for an EAP benefit. If the utility account(s) are in the landlord's name and the utilities are included in the rent, and the residence is not master-metered, an eligible household may receive the minimum annual payment of $240 paid directly to the household if all other eligibility criteria are met.

New Hampshire
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comments		Renters living in subsidized housing are eligible for benefits if they meet all other FAP requirements for eligibility and are responsible for paying the heating bill directly to a deliverable fuel vendor or utility. Renters residing in subsidized housing will not be eligible for a benefit if the heat is included in the rent. Renters with heat included in the rent (when not subsidized) are eligible for a slightly reduced benefit.

New Jersey
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

New Mexico
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comment		Households receiving subsidized rent assistance who receive a subsidy for utilities but who incur an additional out-of pocket expense for utilities are eligible for LIHEAP. Those who do not have an out-of-pocket expense are not eligible for a benefit.

New York
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No
Comment		Households that do not make payments directly to a vendor for their primary heating, but make undesignated payments for heat as a portion of their rent and reside in an eligible living arrangement will receive a benefit based on the two-tier payment structure. A household's tier is based on their gross monthly income taking into account household size.

North Carolina
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes

North Dakota
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No
Comment		Subsidized Housing: Households that pay rent in a government-subsidized housing project or program and are not directly responsible for home energy costs are considered to be fully protected from the rising cost of heating fuel and are not eligible for LIHEAP. The rental costs for these households are based on a fixed percentage of the household's income and/or other factors and does not increase or decrease when fuel costs increase or decrease.

Ohio
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comments		Tenants whose electric bills are not in the renter’s name(s) are ineligible to receive benefits, unless they provide verification that they pay all or a portion (i.e. HUD Section 8 housing) of the electric bill.

Oklahoma
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	Yes
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Benefits		Renters, renters with utilities included in rent and renters in subsidized housing receive the same benefit amounts as homeowners. Renters in subsidized housing must be responsible for at least a portion of their heating utility in order to be considered vulnerable. Renters with utilities included in rent must verify that a specific portion of the rent is for the cost of utilities or be charged for a surcharge amount during high usage months to be considered vulnerable. Applicants that are roomers receive a smaller heating benefit; however, it is still based on income.

Oregon
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No
	Comments	Sub-grantees may choose to target elderly, people with disabilities, or households with young children for a brief time at the start of the heating season. Sub-grantees must indicate within their work plan application whether or not they intend to target any portion of the population. At a minimum this includes a complete description of eligibility and outreach practices as well as safeguards to ensure that processes are applied consistently and fairly to all applicants.

Pennsylvania
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No
Benefits		Renters, including subsidized-housing tenants, are ineligible if their rental charge includes an undesignated amount for heat and is based on a fixed percentage of their income or on their source of income. NOTE: If a household in subsidized housing, which pays for rent and utilities as a fixed portion of its income, becomes responsible for payment to a vendor, either in full or in part, for its primary heating costs, that household then becomes eligible for a cash benefit, if otherwise eligible. If a household in subsidized housing, which pays for rent and utilities as a fixed portion of its income, becomes responsible for payment to a vendor, either in full or in part, for its primary or secondary heating costs, that household then becomes eligible for a crisis benefit, if otherwise eligible. Renters whose rent is unsubsidized and pay for heat indirectly as an undesignated part of rent are eligible for LIHEAP benefits.

Puerto Rico
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

Rhode Island
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

South Carolina
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

South Dakota
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comments		For households that have utilities included in rent, they have different benefit amounts than households that pay a vendor directly.

Tennessee
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

Texas
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

Utah
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comments		Renters living in subsidized housing must have the utility bill in their name in order to be considered vulnerable. If the utility bill is in the landlord or property management name, renter must provide verification that they pay an unsubsidized utility bill via the landlord or property management company. Renters with utilities included in the rent must provide a landlord statement or lease agreement as verification to be eligible for energy assistance benefits.

Vermont
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

Virginia
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	Yes
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No
Comments		Subsidized households (public housing authority) who are only responsible for periodic payment of individual excess utility usage charges (heating expenses included in rent) are not eligible for heating assistance. Subsidized households (public housing) whose heating costs are included in the rent (utilities paid by the housing authority) are not eligible for heating assistance.

Washington
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No

West Virginia
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comments		Assistance groups that have utilities included in the rent, but are not billed separately for heating costs must be evaluated for LIHEAP eligibility. If a client applies for LIHEAP and indicates that their utility are included in their rent, the worker will request verification of those said utilities. This can be done via phone call, rent receipt, lease or contract.

Wisconsin
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	Yes
Comment		If the customer lives in a mobile home and owns the unit, indicate they are an owner even if they pay lot rent in a mobile home park. Landlord and/or management company contact information is essential to Weatherization referrals. For all rental situations, agencies shall enter, in the system, the landlord or management company contact information. The landlord’s or management company name, address and phone number is required. Workers shall not allow an application to deny if the customer does not provide landlord information within 30 days of the application date. Applications may need to be reinstated if denied incorrectly for not providing landlord information. Customers are required to provide verification for the following payment methods and the means of verification must be indicated in Home Energy Plus (HE+) System Notes: • Rental payment includes energy in the monthly rent. • Separate payment is made to the landlord, mobile home park owner • Do not pay

Wyoming
Does eligibility differ for:
	Renter?	No
	Renters in subsidized housing?	No
	Renters with utilities included in rent?	No