Mississippi LIHEAP helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), administered locally through Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and Human Resource Agencies (HRAs) serving all 82 Mississippi counties.
Mississippi’s LIHEAP is distinctive for two operational features: applications start with an online pre-application through Access MS, after which CAA staff contact you to schedule an in-person appointment — and Mississippi also runs a combined intake process for LIHEAP, CSBG, and Weatherization simultaneously.
Mississippi’s program also offers cooling assistance (May–September), which is significant given the state’s extreme summer heat index temperatures.
What Does Mississippi LIHEAP Cover?
Heating Assistance — a one-time payment toward winter energy bills, paid directly to your energy vendor. Maximum: $1,500. Program period: October 1 through April 30.
Cooling Assistance — a one-time payment toward summer cooling bills. Maximum: $1,500. Program period: May 1 through September 30. Mississippi’s cooling enrollment (26,771 in FY 2024) is substantial given the state’s extreme heat — summers regularly produce heat index values above 105°F across most of the state.
Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) — emergency help for households facing an immediate energy crisis: shutoff notice, service disconnection, low or no fuel supply, or energy-related emergencies arising from natural disasters (floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, ice storms). Maximum: $1,500. Available year-round.
Weatherization Assistance (LIHEAP WX) — free home energy efficiency upgrades. Mississippi may use up to 12% of its LIHEAP allocation for weatherization. Maximum: $12,000. Income limit: 200% FPL (more inclusive than the 60% SMI standard for energy assistance). Year-round.
Combined LIHEAP/CSBG/Weatherization intake: Mississippi integrates LIHEAP with the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and Weatherization through a single intake process — one application screens for all three. Agencies also refer applicants to SNAP and TANF if not already enrolled.
Mississippi LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Mississippi uses 60% of State Median Income (SMI) for heating, cooling, and crisis assistance. Weatherization uses 200% Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (approx. 60% MS SMI) | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ~$2,234 | ~$26,806 |
| 2 | ~$2,921 | ~$35,051 |
| 3 | ~$3,609 | ~$43,308 |
| 4 | ~$4,297 | ~$51,562 |
| 5 | ~$4,985 | ~$59,816 |
| 6 | ~$5,673 | ~$68,071 |
| 7 | ~$5,804 | ~$69,645 |
| 8 | ~$5,936 | ~$71,231 |
Based on 60% Mississippi SMI. Confirm current 2026 limits at mdhs.ms.gov/community/liheap or with your local CAA.
For a national comparison of how states set LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: Mississippi LIHEAP has no asset test.
Categorical eligibility: Households with members receiving SNAP, SSI, or TANF may be automatically income-eligible. A current benefit award letter speeds up the eligibility determination at your CAA appointment.
Mississippi’s Two-Step Application Process
Mississippi LIHEAP has a unique two-step application process — different from most other states in this series:
Step 1 — Online pre-application through Access MS: Submit a pre-application at accessms.mdhs.ms.gov (the Access MS portal). When completing the application, mark “Community Services” on the list of programs you are applying for. This pre-application is not a full application — it routes your information to your local CAA.
Step 2 — In-person appointment at your local CAA: After you submit the pre-application, your local CAA will contact you by mail or email with an appointment date and time. At the appointment, you complete the full application and provide documentation. You do not apply directly at the CAA office without first submitting through Access MS.
Appointment timing:
- Households with elderly members, disabled members, or children aged 5 or under: appointment within 30 business days
- All other households: appointment timing varies by CAA
If you cannot complete the online pre-application: Call your local CAA or HRA directly. Individuals without computer access can call their CAA to begin the application process by phone. Find your local agency at mdhs.ms.gov/local-service-agency.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor to apply.
Who Qualifies for Mississippi LIHEAP
To be eligible for Mississippi LIHEAP:
- Mississippi residency as primary residence
- Income at or below 60% Mississippi SMI (or SNAP/SSI/TANF categorical eligibility)
- Financial need for home energy costs — an active utility account or energy bill responsibility
- U.S. citizenship or legal permanent resident status (all household members)
Vulnerable household priority — Mississippi MDHS gives greatest priority to vulnerable households:
- Households with members who are elderly
- Households with members who are disabled
- Households with children age 5 or younger
These households receive priority appointments and are served first when funding is limited.
LIHEAP available in all 82 counties — pending availability of funds. Because funding is limited and may run out before the end of the program period, apply as early in each season as possible.
How to Apply for Mississippi LIHEAP
Step 1 — Submit Pre-Application at Access MS
Go to accessms.mdhs.ms.gov and mark “Community Services” when selecting programs. This routes your information to your local CAA.
For a general overview of the LIHEAP process, see how to apply for LIHEAP. Mississippi’s MDHS contact is in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
Cannot apply online? Call MDHS at 800-948-4060 or call your local CAA/HRA directly using the agency directory at mdhs.ms.gov/local-service-agency.
Step 2 — Wait for CAA Appointment Notice
After submitting your pre-application, watch your mail and email for a notice with your appointment date and time. Priority households (elderly, disabled, young children) should receive an appointment within 30 business days.
Step 3 — Attend In-Person Appointment With Documents
Bring the following to your CAA appointment:
- Government-issued photo ID for the applicant
- Social Security cards or numbers for all household members
- Proof of income — pay stubs, Social Security/SSI/SNAP/TANF award letters, pension statements, or other income documentation
- Most recent energy utility bill(s) — heating and/or cooling, showing your account number and service address
- Proof of any energy crisis (for ECIP applications) — shutoff notice or disconnection letter
At the appointment, the CAA will screen you for LIHEAP, CSBG, and weatherization through the combined intake process and refer you to SNAP and TANF if you’re not already enrolled.
Step 4 — Benefit Payment
Approved benefits are paid directly to your energy vendor. Processing time varies by CAA — households receiving LIHEAP grants should expect payment within approximately 30 days in most cases.
To follow up on a submitted application, see how to track your LIHEAP application status and contact your local CAA directly.
Mississippi LIHEAP Funding 2026
Mississippi received $36,723,579 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026, including an additional $839,436 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In FY 2024, Mississippi served 32,473 heating households, 26,771 cooling households, and 3,460 year-round crisis households. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Mississippi with other states.
Mississippi Utility Assistance Programs
Mississippi Power Base Charge Waiver — Mississippi Power waives the monthly base charge ($0.59 per day) for eligible low-income and elderly customers receiving SSI or TANF. Contact Mississippi Power at 1-800-532-1502.
Entergy / Salvation Army Partnership — The Salvation Army has partnered with Entergy to help Entergy customers pay their power bills. Contact your local Salvation Army office or Entergy directly for availability.
CenterPoint Energy (natural gas) — contact CenterPoint Energy at centerpointenergy.com/en-us/residential/customer-service/billing-payment/need-help-paying-your-bill for payment assistance options.
Atmos Energy — contact Atmos Energy at atmosenergy.com/customer-service/bill-payment-assistance for assistance programs.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food pantries, and other community programs statewide.
Additional Resources for Mississippi Families
Mississippi SNAP: Check Mississippi SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Mississippi.
Mississippi Medicaid: Check Mississippi Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Mississippi WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across Mississippi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income limits for Mississippi LIHEAP?
Mississippi uses 60% of State Median Income — approximately $4,297/month for a household of 4. There is no asset limit. Households receiving SNAP, SSI, or TANF may be automatically income-eligible. Confirm current limits at mdhs.ms.gov/community/liheap.
How do I apply for Mississippi LIHEAP?
Start by submitting a pre-application at accessms.mdhs.ms.gov — mark “Community Services.” Your local CAA will contact you with an in-person appointment. If you cannot apply online, call 800-948-4060 or contact your local CAA/HRA directly from mdhs.ms.gov/local-service-agency.
How long before I get an appointment?
Elderly, disabled, or households with children age 5 or under should expect an appointment within 30 business days. Other households’ timing varies by CAA and funding availability.
Does Mississippi LIHEAP cover cooling?
Yes — Mississippi’s cooling assistance runs May 1 through September 30 and pays up to $1,500. Mississippi’s extreme summer heat makes cooling assistance one of the most important program components in the state.
What is the ECIP crisis program?
Mississippi’s Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides emergency energy help for households facing shutoff, disconnection, low fuel, or energy emergencies related to natural disasters (floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, ice storms). Maximum: $1,500. Available year-round.
For current Mississippi LIHEAP information, visit mdhs.ms.gov/community/liheap or call 800-948-4060.