Do I Qualify for Energy Assistance in Alabama?
LIHEAP FFY 2026: income limit and how to apply
Alabama LIHEAP helps families pay heating and cooling bills. The heating-assistance income standard is 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. For a family of 4, that is $48,225/year ($4,019/month) under the ACF FFY 2026 table.
Standard: LIHEAP Clearinghouse (HHS/ACF-funded), LIHEAP Income Eligibility for States and Territories, FY 2026, compiled from FY 2026 state plans, as of December 15, 2025. Dollar limit: ACF Office of Community Services, Federal Poverty Guidelines for FFY 2026 (150% column; 2025 HHS guidelines), hosted by the LIHEAP Clearinghouse, table dated December 1, 2025, in force for FFY 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026).
Could Your Family Get Energy Assistance in Alabama?
Enter your household size and gross annual income to check against the FFY 2026 limit.
Check with your utility company. Many offer payment plans, budget billing, or utility-funded assistance programs separate from LIHEAP.
Enter your household size and income to check.
Alabama LIHEAP Income Limits, FFY 2026
150% of the federal poverty guidelines, by household size.
| Household size | Annual limit | Monthly limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,475 | $1,956 |
| 2 people | $31,725 | $2,644 |
| 3 people | $39,975 | $3,331 |
| 4 people | $48,225 | $4,019 |
| 5 people | $56,475 | $4,706 |
| 6 people | $64,725 | $5,394 |
| 7 people | $72,975 | $6,081 |
| 8 people | $81,225 | $6,769 |
Source: ACF Office of Community Services, Federal Poverty Guidelines for FFY 2026 (150% column; 2025 HHS guidelines), hosted by the LIHEAP Clearinghouse, table dated December 1, 2025, in force for FFY 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). The ACF poverty table is the 2025 HHS guidelines times 150%; the figures above are computed the same way and match it. Contact Alabama DHR to confirm current thresholds.
Other Alabama LIHEAP components (FY 2026 state plan)
- Cooling: 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Crisis: 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Weatherization: 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
Source: LIHEAP Clearinghouse, FY 2026 income eligibility table, as of December 15, 2025.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in Alabama
Apply through your county DHR office during the heating season (October through March).
Benefit amounts are set in Alabama's state plan each year and depend on income, household size, fuel type, and funding. Alabama DHR publishes the current benefit matrix; we do not estimate it.
Energy Assistance in Other States
More Family Assistance in Alabama
Alabama Family Assistance Programs
Families who qualify for one program often qualify for others. Check each one.
Childcare Subsidy (CCDF)
Income limits and how to apply in Alabama
Head Start Eligibility
Free early education for low-income families
WIC Benefits
Food assistance for children under 5
Free Pre-K Programs
State-funded preschool eligibility
Free School Meals
NSLP income limits for school-age kids
Childcare Tax Credits
Federal + Alabama state credits
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Grocery benefits — income limits in Alabama
TANF Cash Assistance
Monthly cash benefits for families with children
Section 8 Housing
Housing vouchers — income limits and waitlists