NOTE: In addition to income, states may look at an applicant households' assets in determining financial eligibility for LIHEAP. The chart below lists eleven states that are currently using an assets test, including two that only use asset tests for crisis assistance. Among the states, allowable assets range from a high of $10,000 to a low of $2,000. Several states allow higher assets for households with elderly members. States also have different definitions of assets. For more information on variations in assets tests, contact the LIHEAP Clearinghouse.
State FY Description 2015 $3,000 assets limit for all households, regardless of size, if at least one member is 60 years or older. $2,000 limit for all other households, regardless of size. 2015 Liquid assets: $10,000 limit for homeowners, $7,000 for others. Income eligible households whose liquid assets exceed the limit may still be eligible for energy assistance if the household's gross income, when added to the excess liquid assets is within the income guidelines. Liquid assets are defined as those readily converted to cash. Liquid assets include: savings accounts, checking accounts, bonds, stocks/shares, certificates of deposits, and individual retirement accounts if the accounts are in the name of a household member who is at least 59 and 1/2 years old. Households designated as vulnerable, i.e., those with at least one member who is elderly (60 or over), disabled, of a young child (under age 6), qualify for higher basic benefit awards per income category than non-vulnerable households. Also, vulnerable deliverable fuel-heated households with income between 150% and 200% FPG also qualify for crisis benefits, while non-vulnerable households in this same income category do not. 2015 Also has priority for households with an energy burden. Eligible applicants may not have liquid resources in excess of $2,000 or $3,000 if the household has a member 60 or older or disabled; or $4,000 for a household with a member that has a catastrophic illness if those assets are used for medical and living expenses. Applicants who are 60 and above or who have disabilities and who receive a fixed income may pre-register for assistance. 2015 In order to qualify for crisis assistance, the household must use their available resources to resolve their own emergency, therefore, an asset test has been implemented. Special exemptions are allowed for deaf, disabled or blind, and qualified disabled veterans. 2015 Assets limit is $3,000 per household. A $100 medical deduction is automatically given to households in which the applicant or spouse is elderly (age 65 or older) or disabled. Only one (1) $100 deduction will be allowed, even if both applicant and spouse meet either or both criteria. 2015 $10,769 for a single person household; $16,157 for a 2 person household; add $1,077 per additional member up to $21,542. 2015 Resource limit is $5,000. Resources that are counted include cash, checking and savings accounts, time certificates, CD's, stocks, bonds and property other than your home. 2015 Crisis only: assets limit is $2,000 or $3,000 if the household has a member over 60 years 2015 Assets limit of $2,200. No assets test for crisis. 2015 $10,000 allowed for assets with an additional $5,000 for each household member 60 years and over. 2015 Assets cannot exceed $2,000 for a one person household or $3,000 for a two person household, add $50 for each additional person in the household. Resources include bank accounts, cash on hand, CDs, and other investments that can be accessed without penalty to the household.
