Do I Qualify for Energy Assistance in Rhode Island?
LIHEAP FFY 2026: income limit and how to apply
Rhode Island LIHEAP helps families pay heating and cooling bills. The heating-assistance income standard is 60% of state median income. For a family of 4, that is $81,254/year ($6,771/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, RI State Median Income for FFY 2026 (60 percent of estimated state median income), hosted by the LIHEAP Clearinghouse, table dated December 5, 2025, in force for FFY 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026).
Could Your Family Get Energy Assistance in Rhode Island?
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.
Rhode Island LIHEAP Income Limits, FFY 2026
60% of state median income, by household size. The ACF table lists households of 1 to 6; for each person above 6, the state adds 3 percentage points to the 6-person share (45 CFR 96.85).
| Household size | Annual limit | Monthly limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $42,252 | $3,521 |
| 2 people | $55,252 | $4,604 |
| 3 people | $68,253 | $5,688 |
| 4 people | $81,254 | $6,771 |
| 5 people | $94,254 | $7,855 |
| 6 people | $107,255 | $8,938 |
Source: ACF Office of Community Services, RI State Median Income for FFY 2026 (60 percent of estimated state median income), hosted by the LIHEAP Clearinghouse, table dated December 5, 2025, in force for FFY 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). Contact Rhode Island DHS to confirm current thresholds.
Other Rhode Island LIHEAP components (FY 2026 state plan)
- Crisis: 60% of state median income
- Weatherization: 60% of state median income
Source: LIHEAP Clearinghouse, FY 2026 income eligibility table, as of December 15, 2025.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in Rhode Island
Apply through your local Community Action Program (CAP) agency.
Benefit amounts are set in Rhode Island's state plan each year and depend on income, household size, fuel type, and funding. Rhode Island DHS publishes the current benefit matrix; we do not estimate it.
Energy Assistance in Other States
More Family Assistance in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Family Assistance Programs
Families who qualify for one program often qualify for others. Check each one.
Childcare Subsidy (CCDF)
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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 + Rhode Island state credits
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Grocery benefits — income limits in Rhode Island
TANF Cash Assistance
Monthly cash benefits for families with children
Section 8 Housing
Housing vouchers — income limits and waitlists