What is the LIHEAP income limit in North Carolina?

North Carolina's LIHEAP heating-assistance income standard is 130% of the federal poverty guidelines (LIHEAP Clearinghouse, FY2026 state plans, as of December 15, 2025). We could not confirm the dollar figure from a primary table, so we do not print one; North Carolina DEQ publishes it.

How much does LIHEAP pay in North Carolina?

North Carolina sets benefit amounts in its LIHEAP state plan; they depend on income, household size, energy costs, and fuel type, and change with each year's funding. North Carolina DEQ publishes the current benefit matrix. Payments usually go directly to your utility or fuel vendor.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in North Carolina?

Apply through North Carolina DEQ. Apply through your county Department of Social Services. Visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance or call 1-800-662-7030.

Do I Qualify for Energy Assistance in North Carolina?

LIHEAP FFY 2026: income limit and how to apply

North Carolina LIHEAP helps families pay heating and cooling bills. The heating-assistance income standard is 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. We could not confirm the dollar figure for a family of 4 from a primary table, so we do not print one. North Carolina DEQ publishes the current limit.

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.

DaycareCalc is an independent site. It is not affiliated with any government agency. Only North Carolina DEQ can decide if you qualify.

Income standard

130% FPG

Family of 4 limit

Ask the agency

Crisis standard

150% FPG

Paid to

Utility co.

North Carolina LIHEAP Income Limit

The FY 2026 state plan sets the heating standard at 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. The ACF tables we rely on do not print a dollar figure for that standard, and we do not compute one we cannot check against a primary source.

Get the dollar limit for your household size from North Carolina DEQ.

Other North Carolina 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 North Carolina

Apply through your county Department of Social Services.

Benefit amounts are set in North Carolina's state plan each year and depend on income, household size, fuel type, and funding. North Carolina DEQ publishes the current benefit matrix; we do not estimate it.

Apply at North Carolina → Call 1-800-662-7030