Washington State LIHEAP 2026: Income Limits and Apply

For how Washington's line compares with every other state, see our LIHEAP income limits by state guide. Everything below is specific to Washington.

Washington LIHEAP 2026-27 at a Glance: 4 Kinds of Help

Commerce's 2027 draft plan runs 3 LIHEAP components (heating, year-round crisis and weatherization), and the state adds a fourth, SHEAP, with its own money. The draft plan puts 55% of Washington's LIHEAP dollars into heating help, 15% into year-round crisis, 15% into weatherization, 10% into administration and 3.92% into services that cut energy need. It budgets nothing for a separate cooling or summer crisis component.

Sources: Commerce 2027 draft LIHEAP Model Plan, sections 1.1, 1.2, 2.6, 2.7, 4.12, 4.15, 5.1 and 5.9; Commerce SHEAP page. The 200% figure is ACF's 2026 poverty guideline for four ($33,000) doubled.

Commerce's FAQ adds a few ground rules. Fuel type doesn't matter: electric, gas, propane, oil, coal and wood all qualify. LIHEAP "almost always" pays your energy company, not you. And Commerce itself doesn't decide eligibility or award grants; the local agency does both.

Washington LIHEAP Income Limits for 2026-27 (150% of Poverty)

Washington's LIHEAP line is 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, which works out to $49,500 a year for four people. Commerce's PY27 chart matches ACF's 150% table, built from the HHS guidelines published January 15, 2026. The draft plan says agencies count gross income, before taxes.

Sources: Commerce PY27 LIHEAP Eligibility Guidelines (annual and monthly columns, sizes 1 to 12); ACF FY2027 poverty guideline table (opens in a new tab) and FY2027 state median income table (opens in a new tab) for Washington. The per-person step is the gap between Commerce's 8- and 9-person rows. Washington applies these lines from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

When the numbers change next. Commerce's program year starts each October 1. New PY28 limits would take effect October 1, 2027, based on the poverty guidelines HHS publishes in early 2027.

Why the right-hand column matters. Federal law lets a state set LIHEAP as high as 60% of state median income. In Washington that would be $88,089 for four, or $38,589 more than the line Commerce uses. Commerce's 2024 SHEAP announcement put it bluntly: 150% of poverty is "about $23,000 for an individual no matter where they live in Washington." That's the gap SHEAP was built to fill.

Other rules. The draft plan says Washington doesn't treat SNAP, SSI or TANF as automatic LIHEAP eligibility, so bring income proof even if you get those. It does let agencies certify fixed-income households for 2 years at a time. The Basic Food program also sends a $20.01 nominal LIHEAP payment once a year to qualifying SNAP households; that's a separate, tiny benefit, not your heating grant. For food help, see our Washington SNAP guide, and for health coverage, our Washington Medicaid income limits guide.

How Much Washington LIHEAP Pays: $250 to $1,250

Commerce's 2027 draft plan keeps the heating grant between $250 and $1,250, the same range as its final 2026 plan. Commerce doesn't post the payment matrix publicly; its FAQ says you'll learn your amount at the appointment. The draft plan lists the factors agencies plug in:

Per the draft plan's list, the pattern is simple even without the matrix: lower income, a bigger household, a pricey fuel and a high bill push the grant toward $1,250.

Crisis help. Washington doesn't pay a separate crisis amount on top of the grant. The draft plan calls its method "Benefit Fast Track": a household in crisis gets its benefit within 48 hours, or within 18 hours if the situation is life-threatening. Year-round crisis money can also pay deposits to restore or start service, back bills to stop a shutoff, propane tank set-up and rental, and heating or cooling system repair or replacement, up to $13,000. If funding allows, the plan adds a supplemental benefit in July, August and September.

Worked example. For example, a family of three in Spokane earning $3,000 a month, with an Avista gas heat bill and a past-due notice: $3,000 is under Washington's $3,415 monthly line for three, so they qualify. Their grant would land somewhere from $250 to $1,250 based on the factors above. If Avista's winter bill is the problem, the Winter Low-Income Payment Program caps what Avista can demand from November 15 to March 15 at $210 a month (7% of $3,000), plus one-twelfth of the new charges billed after they apply. The full past-due balance then has to be paid by October 15, 2027.

A family over the line. A family of four in Seattle earning $5,000 a month ($60,000 a year) misses LIHEAP's $4,125 monthly limit. They're still under Commerce's SHEAP figure of about $100,896 for four in King County, so the same agency can screen them for state bill help instead. For a household in that gap, SHEAP is the best bet.

A retired couple on propane. A retired couple in eastern Washington living on $2,600 a month in Social Security, heating with propane, are under the $2,705 monthly line for two. If their tank drops below a 10-day supply, per the draft plan they can sign a statement saying so and get crisis treatment within 48 hours. Because their only income is fixed, they can also ask the agency for the 2-year certification so next winter starts with less paperwork.

Season Dates and Deadlines for 2026-27

Washington's program year is 12 months long, October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027, and Commerce allows one LIHEAP grant per household in that window. There's no statewide close date, but there's a practical one: local agencies stop booking when their money is committed.

Sources: Commerce news post on the draft plan (June 30, 2026) and Washington State Register notice WSR 26-13-026 (opens in a new tab); Commerce LIHEAP FAQ; WAC 480-100-143 (opens in a new tab).

Where Washington's federal money stands. Washington has $54,636,254 in hand so far for FY2027, per the ACF first-release state table (opens in a new tab) dated October 9, 2026. That release totaled $3.63 billion nationally and, in ACF's words, is 90% of what the stopgap Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027 (Public Law 119-103, signed September 2, 2026) makes available. ACF also restricts the money for any grantee lacking an approved FY2027 plan. On November 3, 2026, Commerce's LIHEAP page still linked the 2026 plan and Grantsights couldn't find the final 2027 plan or an approval notice posted, so treat the draft plan's figures as Commerce's stated intent. The rest of the year's federal money depends on Congress.

How to Apply for Washington LIHEAP in 4 Steps

Washington has 39 counties and no statewide online application; you apply through the agency that serves your county. Commerce says plainly that it doesn't schedule appointments.

1. Find your agency. Open Commerce's LIHEAP public map (opens in a new tab) and click your county. The page shows the agency, its appointment number and how it books.
2. Book the appointment. Each agency runs its own system. Some book online around the clock, some by phone, and some open slots on set days. The draft plan says agencies take applications by phone and that none requires an in-person visit.
3. Gather papers before the call. Commerce's FAQ says you'll typically prove identity, residence, heating costs and income, and that the list varies by agency. Ask what yours wants when you book.
4. Sign the Household Information Form. It's the form that completes your application, and it's where your fair hearing rights are printed.

Agencies for the largest counties, from Commerce's public map on November 3, 2026:

One agency in King County, Hopelink, says in its map entry that its online system takes bookings 24 hours a day and that new slots open Mondays at 9 a.m. when the calendar is full. South Yakima's agency (Northwest Community Action Center/YVFWC) says it books by email at EAP@yvfwc.org, with call-ins starting at the beginning of October.

What to have ready:

• Proof of gross income for everyone in the home (Commerce counts wages, Social Security, SSI, unemployment, child support, rental income and more)
• Your most recent heating bill, or a fuel dealer's statement for propane, oil or wood
• Your electric bill if heat is electric
• Proof of identity and proof that you live at the address
• Any disconnection notice, payment-plan termination notice or note that your tank is low

Shutoff Notices and Washington's Winter Rules: Nov 15 to Mar 15

Washington protects home heating from November 15 to March 15, but only for customers who sign up for the Winter Low-Income Payment Program. The rule is WAC 480-100-143 (opens in a new tab) for UTC-regulated electric companies and WAC 480-90-143 (opens in a new tab) for gas companies; city utilities follow RCW 35.21.300 (opens in a new tab) and public utility districts follow RCW 54.16.285 (opens in a new tab), with matching terms. To keep the heat on, you must:

• Tell the utility you can't pay, ideally within 5 business days of the delinquency notice
• Self-certify your last 12 months of household income to a LIHEAP agency, which gives the utility a dollar figure equal to 7% of that income within 30 days
• Apply for energy assistance and agree to put any award toward your bill
• Apply for low-income weatherization if it's available for your home
• Pay no more than 7% of your monthly income, plus one-twelfth of the charges billed from your application date through March 15
• Pay off the past-due balance by the following October 15, and keep paying even if you move

Miss the payments and the utility can disconnect you after proper notice. If you're cut off after defaulting, the rule lets you reconnect and keep the protection by paying reconnection fees and the amounts that would have been due under the plan.

Other protections for UTC-regulated electric and gas customers, from WAC 480-100-128 (opens in a new tab):

Summer heat alerts. Under House Bill 1329 (2023), Commerce says electric and water utilities can't shut off a home for nonpayment on any day the National Weather Service issues or plans a heat-related alert for the area. Commerce's 2027 draft plan adds that any repayment plan a utility requires after a heat-alert reconnection can't exceed 6% of monthly income.

If you can't settle it with the utility, ask for a supervisor, then file with the UTC through its consumer complaint form (opens in a new tab). The UTC's energy assistance programs page (opens in a new tab) says staff will work with the company on disputes and disconnect notices.

Utility Programs and SHEAP: Help That Stacks With LIHEAP

Per the UTC and Commerce, at least 6 Washington programs sit beside LIHEAP, and most run through the same local agencies. Washington's Clean Energy Transformation Act, RCW 19.405.120 (opens in a new tab), requires every electric utility to make an energy assistance program available to low-income households. Commerce's 2024 SHEAP announcement said LIHEAP and SHEAP benefits can stack, though the aim is to reach people LIHEAP misses.

PSE customers also have a bill discount rate. When the UTC approved PSE's January 1, 2026 rate changes, its December 31, 2025 news release listed an electric increase of about 12%, roughly $17 a month for an average home using 800 kWh, and about 7% for natural gas. Discount programs matter more when base rates rise that fast. Avista customers can ask about comfort-level billing and payment arrangements, and the UTC notes that Avista funds assistance through community action agencies.

Many customers aren't on a UTC-regulated company at all. Commerce's FAQ says many Washington energy providers run their own assistance programs and special rate discounts, often through the same agencies that take LIHEAP. If Seattle City Light, Tacoma Power, Clark Public Utilities, Snohomish PUD or another public utility bills you, ask that utility and your LIHEAP agency what discount you can get.

Weatherization. LIHEAP weatherization in Washington reaches 200% of poverty ($66,000 for four), wider than the heating grant, and the draft plan caps spending at $20,000 per household. Sealing and insulating a home cuts every future bill, which a one-time grant can't. If the house needs a roof or wiring too, see our home repair grants guide.

Washington's FY2027 LIHEAP Money Per Resident: $6.83

Washington's first FY2027 LIHEAP release is $54,636,254. Grantsights analysis of ACF's October 9, 2026 state table and Census Bureau population estimates for July 1, 2025 found Washington received $6.83 per resident, about two-thirds of the $10.44 average across the 50 states and D.C., and 45th of 51.

Washington per-resident math: ACF's FY2027 first-release allotments divided by the Census Bureau's Vintage 2025 state population estimates (opens in a new tab). Rank covers 50 states and D.C.

Apply the draft plan's 55% heating share to Washington's first release and you get about $30.0 million for heating grants, with roughly $8.2 million each for year-round crisis and weatherization. At the $1,250 maximum, $30.0 million covers about 24,000 grants; at the $250 minimum, about 120,200. Commerce's 2024 SHEAP release estimated that roughly 500,000 people in Washington are LIHEAP-eligible, so even this rough math shows why appointment calendars fill. Neighbors can compare with our Oregon energy assistance guide and Idaho energy assistance guide.

What Commerce's LIHEAP Page Doesn't Tell You

Grantsights compared Commerce's public LIHEAP page with its 2027 draft plan, its county map and the WAC shutoff rules, and found 6 gaps that matter to an applicant.

1. The county map is partly years out of date. On November 3, 2026, the map's notes for Rural Resources (Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille and Stevens) still gave phone-line opening dates from December 2022 to July 2023, Lower Columbia's note still announced the 2023-2024 season, and Clark's still referred to October 2024. Use the phone number, then confirm current hours on the agency's own site.
2. The map and the SHEAP page don't always agree on numbers. For Spokane, the map lists 509-242-2376 and the SHEAP page 509-456-7627; for South King County, 253-517-2263 versus 253-874-7831. Either can be right for its program; ask for LIHEAP by name.
3. There's no published benefit chart. Commerce's FAQ only says income, size and heat cost shape the award. Ask the agency how it scores fuel type and energy burden, since those can move you toward $1,250.
4. Washington's line is far below what federal law allows. For a family of four, LIHEAP stops at $49,500, while 60% of state median income would be $88,089. If you're in the gap, SHEAP is the program to ask about.
5. Winter protection takes paperwork. The November 15 to March 15 rule doesn't kick in on its own. You must contact the utility, certify income through a LIHEAP agency and keep the 7% payment plan.
6. Fixed incomes can certify for 2 years. The draft plan lets agencies certify fixed-income households for two years. If your only income is Social Security or a pension, ask whether you qualify, so next year's appointment is shorter.

Common Mistakes and Scam Red Flags

These 5 mistakes cost Washington applicants the most, based on Commerce's FAQ, the draft plan and the WAC rules:

• Calling Commerce to apply. Commerce's LIHEAP office doesn't take applications. A common mistake is losing a week waiting for a call back that should've gone to the county agency.
• Waiting until a calendar opens up. Some agencies release slots on set days and fill them within hours. Note your agency's booking rule and be ready at that time.
• Ignoring the first notice. Washington's first shutoff notice comes at least 8 business days ahead. That's the time to call the utility, ask for the winter payment plan and book the LIHEAP appointment, not the day of the second notice.
• Assuming SNAP or SSI proves eligibility. The draft plan says Washington doesn't use categorical eligibility. Bring income proof anyway.
• Using the grant early, then needing it later. You get one grant per program year. Households on propane or oil should ask whether timing the grant to a winter delivery makes sense, and should tell the agency when the tank is under a 10-day supply, which counts as a crisis.

Scam red flags. The Federal Trade Commission's guide on utility impostor scams (opens in a new tab) warns that a caller demanding immediate payment by gift card, wire, crypto or a payment app isn't your utility. Watch for these Washington versions:

• A "PSE" or "Avista" caller threatening a same-day cutoff in January even though you're on a winter payment plan
• A message saying a heat-alert day is a disconnection day; Commerce says utilities can't cut power for nonpayment then
• Anyone charging a fee to book a LIHEAP or SHEAP appointment; applications through the local agency are free
• A text promising a LIHEAP check mailed to you, when Commerce says payments almost always go to the energy company

End the call, then phone the customer service line printed on your PSE, Avista or city utility statement. Report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (opens in a new tab) and to the Washington Attorney General's consumer protection division.

Denied, or Funding Gone? 4 Next Steps in Washington

Washington gives you 30 calendar days from the agency's approval or denial notice to ask for a fair hearing, according to Commerce's 2027 draft plan.

1. Request a fair hearing. Use the LIHEAP Fair Hearing Request Form linked from Commerce's LIHEAP page, or email LIHEAP@commerce.wa.gov. Commerce assigns a hearings officer, usually the agency's contract manager, and responds within 30 working days. Hearings are held by phone, and a written decision is mailed within 10 working days.
2. Ask about SHEAP. If you were denied for income, the same agency may be able to enroll you in SHEAP's higher limit.
3. Use the utility's own help. Ask about the winter payment plan, a payment arrangement (the UTC page notes PSE offers plans of up to 18 months), budget billing and the company's assistance funds listed above.
4. Call 211 and look wider. If rent is also behind, our rental assistance guide lists the main routes; our emergency cash assistance guide covers one-time help. Older adults can check our help for seniors guide, and our Lifeline guide covers a cheaper phone bill.

For how LIHEAP works nationally, including the federal funding cycle, see our national LIHEAP guide.

Not sure which Washington program fits your situation? The free eligibility checker on Grantsights takes a couple of minutes: pick "Individual," then "Personal financial help," and it points to official routes for bills, rent, food and benefits screening. It doesn't award money or replace the county LIHEAP agency; for a heating bill in Washington, the route still ends at the agency on Commerce's map.

Sources

1. Washington Commerce: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (opens in a new tab) - Washington eligibility FAQ, one grant per program year, fuel types, documents, vendor payment
2. Washington Commerce: PY27 LIHEAP Eligibility Guidelines (PDF via Commerce Box) (opens in a new tab) - Washington 150% FPG annual and monthly limits
3. Washington Commerce: 2026 LIHEAP State Plan, final (PDF via Commerce Box) (opens in a new tab) - Washington FFY2026 benefit range and crisis cap
4. Washington Commerce: Help shape the future of energy assistance in Washington (June 30, 2026) (opens in a new tab) - 2027 draft plan, comment period, hearing
5. Washington Commerce: 2027 LIHEAP Model Plan Application, draft (PDF via Commerce Box) (opens in a new tab) - Washington PY27 components, budget split, benefits, crisis, weatherization, fair hearings
6. Washington State Register, WSR 26-13-026 (opens in a new tab) - Commerce hearing notice on Washington's 2027 LIHEAP plan
7. Washington Commerce: LIHEAP public map by county (opens in a new tab) - Washington county agencies and booking notes
8. Washington Commerce: State Home Energy Assistance Program (SHEAP) (opens in a new tab) - Washington 80% AMI program, county partners
9. Washington Commerce: SHEAP launch announcement (September 30, 2024) (opens in a new tab) - Washington eligibility estimates, stacking
10. Washington Commerce: Utility Extreme Heat Shutoff Moratorium (opens in a new tab)
11. WAC 480-100-143: Washington electric winter low-income payment program (opens in a new tab)
12. WAC 480-90-143: Washington gas winter low-income payment program (opens in a new tab)
13. WAC 480-100-128: Washington electric disconnection rules (opens in a new tab)
14. RCW 35.21.300: Washington city utility winter shutoff limits (opens in a new tab)
15. RCW 54.16.285: Washington PUD winter shutoff limits (opens in a new tab)
16. RCW 19.405.120: Washington utility low-income energy assistance duty (opens in a new tab)
17. Washington UTC: Energy Assistance Programs (opens in a new tab) - Washington utility programs, winter plan, medical rule, heat alerts
18. Washington UTC: PSE rate orders, December 31, 2025 (opens in a new tab)
19. ACF: FY2027 LIHEAP First Block Grant Funding Release (opens in a new tab) - October 9, 2026, 90% under Public Law 119-103
20. ACF: FY2027 first release, state allotments (opens in a new tab) - Washington $54,636,254
21. ACF: FY2027 LIHEAP poverty guideline tables (opens in a new tab)
22. ACF: FY2027 LIHEAP state median income table (opens in a new tab) - Washington 60% SMI
23. Census Bureau: Vintage 2025 state population totals (opens in a new tab)
24. FTC: utility impostor scams, cited for Washington red flags (opens in a new tab)