Montana LIHEAP helps low-income households pay winter heating bills through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), administered through local eligibility offices and Human Resource Development Councils (HRDCs) across the state. Montana’s LIHEAP is notable for two features unique in this series: tribal LIHEAP offices serving Native American enrolled tribal members on most Montana reservations (with the Crow Reservation exception handled by District 7 HRDC in Billings), and an unusually high crisis assistance cap of $9,999 — among the highest in the country.
Montana also has a tiered asset/resource test that increases by household size — starting at $13,675 for one person — rather than a flat asset limit.
What Does Montana LIHEAP Cover?
Heating Assistance — a payment toward winter energy bills (natural gas, electric, propane, fuel oil, wood, coal). Range: $180 minimum to $3,228 maximum for FY 2026. Benefits may be paid directly to the utility vendor or, in some cases, directly to the LIHEAP participant (with receipts required). Program period: October 1 through April 30 (though DPHHS may approve benefits for additional months in certain cases).
Crisis Assistance — emergency help for households facing an immediate energy emergency. Maximum: $9,999 — the third-highest crisis cap in this series behind Iowa ($5,200) and Delaware ($10,000). Available year-round. Crisis includes furnace emergencies, shutoff notices, running out of fuel, and similar situations. Furnace repair and assistance may also be available through the crisis component.
Weatherization Assistance — free home energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, sealing, heating system improvements). Income limit: 200% FPL (more inclusive than the 60% SMI used for heating). Available year-round through local eligibility offices and HRDCs.
Combined LIHEAP and Weatherization Application: Montana uses a single combined application for both LIHEAP and Weatherization — completing one application screens for both programs simultaneously.
Montana LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Montana uses 60% of State Median Income (SMI) for households of 1–9 members. For households of 10 or more, 150% of the Federal Poverty Level applies. Weatherization uses 200% FPL for all household sizes.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (approx. 60% Montana SMI) | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ~$3,170 | ~$38,040 |
| 2 | ~$4,145 | ~$49,742 |
| 3 | ~$5,121 | ~$61,445 |
| 4 | ~$6,096 | ~$73,147 |
| 5 | ~$7,072 | ~$84,850 |
| 6 | ~$8,047 | ~$96,552 |
| 7 | ~$8,217 | ~$98,604 |
| 8 | ~$8,388 | ~$100,656 |
| 9 | ~$8,559 | ~$102,708 |
| 10+ | 150% FPL applies | — |
Based on the 2025–2026 DPHHS income guidelines. Confirm the 2026 table at dphhs.mt.gov/HCSD/energyassistance or by calling 1-800-551-3191 (elderly/disabled) or 1-800-322-2272.
For a national comparison of LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
Asset/Resource Test — tiered by household size: Montana has a resource test that starts at approximately $13,675 for a one-person household and scales upward by household size. Countable resources include cash, checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, stocks and bonds, and real property that is not the family home. Business assets are also counted but cannot exceed $25,000 regardless of household size.
SNAP/SSI/TANF categorical eligibility: Households receiving SNAP, SSI, TANF, or county or tribal general assistance are automatically income-eligible. You still must apply — categorical eligibility does not auto-enroll you.
Energy burden priority: Montana LIHEAP prioritizes households where 4.3% or more of household income goes toward home heating and cooling. For example, if a household’s heating bill is $100/month, they would be prioritized if their monthly income is below $2,325. Other households are still eligible — they just receive lower priority.
Tribal LIHEAP — Native American Households on Montana Reservations
Montana has a robust tribal LIHEAP network that is explicitly part of the program structure — unique among the states in this series. Most Native American enrolled tribal members or direct descendants living on Montana reservations apply through their Tribal LIHEAP office rather than through DPHHS.
Exception: Native American household members living on the Crow Reservation should contact District 7 Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) in Billings for heating assistance.
Find the Tribal LIHEAP office serving your reservation at dphhs.mt.gov/HCSD/energyassistance/lieapoffices. Major tribal LIHEAP offices include those serving the Blackfeet Nation, Fort Peck (Assiniboine and Sioux), Chippewa Cree, Flathead (Confederated Salish and Kootenai), Northern Cheyenne, and others.
Program Dates and Year-Round Access
| Program | Dates |
|---|---|
| Heating Assistance | October 1 – April 30 (may extend in some cases) |
| Crisis Assistance | Year-round |
| Weatherization | Year-round |
Year-round access for crisis: Unlike most states where crisis assistance is limited to heating season months, Montana provides crisis assistance year-round — including summer situations involving broken cooling equipment where health and safety are threatened.
Heating applications after April 30 are not accepted for that program year. Weatherization applications are accepted at any time.
How to Apply for Montana LIHEAP
Step 1 — Find Your Local Eligibility Office or Tribal LIHEAP Office
Montana LIHEAP is applied for through local eligibility offices and HRDCs — not through a statewide portal:
- Call 1-800-322-2272 (Montana Citizen’s Advocate) to find your local office
- Call 1-800-551-3191 (DPHHS LIHEAP line) — if you are over 60 or have a disability, call this number for assistance filling out the application
- Visit dphhs.mt.gov/HCSD/energyassistance/lieapoffices for local office contact information and tribal LIHEAP office directory
For a general overview of the LIHEAP application process, see how to apply for LIHEAP. Montana’s DPHHS contacts are in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
Native American enrolled tribal members on most reservations: contact your Tribal LIHEAP office. Crow Reservation residents: contact District 7 HRDC in Billings.
Step 2 — Download and Complete the Combined LIHEAP/Weatherization Application
The Montana LIHEAP and Weatherization Application is a combined form available at dphhs.mt.gov/assets/hcsd/liheap/LIHEAPApplication.pdf. The application can be completed online but must be printed and delivered or mailed to your local eligibility office — the office address is listed on the last page of the application.
Step 3 — Income Verification Window
Income is verified for the month prior to submitting the application. The application includes a chart showing which months’ income verification is required based on the month of application. For example, an October application requires September income verification; a November application requires October verification.
Step 4 — Required Documents
- Photo ID for the applicant
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of gross income for the month prior to application — pay stubs, SNAP/SSI/TANF award letters, Social Security benefit statements
- Bank account and asset statements confirming resources below the household size limit
- Heating and/or electric bill showing account number and service address
- Business asset documentation (if applicable — must show under $25,000)
Step 5 — Submit to Local Eligibility Office
Mail or deliver your completed, signed application with all required documents to your local eligibility office listed on the application form. Applications cannot be submitted electronically — a physical signature and mailed/delivered submission is required.
Once approved, benefits are paid directly to your utility vendor or, in some cases, directly to you (with proof of payment receipts). To follow up on a submitted application, contact your local office or see how to track your LIHEAP application status.
Montana Utility Discount Programs
NorthWestern Energy Automatic LIHEAP Discount — customers who qualify for LIHEAP automatically receive a discount on their NorthWestern Energy electric and natural gas bills. Apply for LIHEAP through your local Human Resource Council. 1-833-317-1080. No separate application needed — the discount is automatic upon LIHEAP approval.
Flathead Electric Cooperative 50% Basic Charge Waiver — eligible members receive a credit equal to half the basic charge on their monthly bill. Residential members must qualify as low-income per LIHEAP guidelines (150% FPL). Members qualifying after October 1 are automatically eligible. All recipients must reapply each year.
Park Electric Co-op Senior Income Eligible Discount — available to Cooperative members age 60 or older who meet LIHEAP eligibility guidelines. First-come, first-served. 406-222-7778.
Sun River Electric Coop Home Weatherization Program — provides funding to weatherize residential homes for low-income households within the Sun River Electric service area.
Montana LIHEAP Funding 2026
Montana received $23,583,999 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026, including an additional $537,540 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In FY 2024, Montana served 14,675 heating households, 344 year-round crisis households, and 414 weatherization projects. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Montana with other states.
Additional Resources for Montana Families
Montana SNAP: Check Montana SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Montana.
Montana Medicaid: Check Montana Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Montana WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across Montana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income limits for Montana LIHEAP?
Montana uses 60% of State Median Income — approximately $6,096/month ($73,147/year) for a household of 4. For households of 10+, 150% FPL applies. There is also a tiered asset test starting at ~$13,675 for one person. Confirm current limits at dphhs.mt.gov.
Does Montana LIHEAP have an asset test?
Yes — Montana has a resource/asset test that starts at approximately $13,675 for a one-person household and scales upward by household size. Business assets cannot exceed $25,000 for any household. This is one of the more complex asset tests in this LIHEAP series.
What is Montana’s $9,999 crisis cap?
Montana’s year-round crisis assistance has a maximum benefit of $9,999 — one of the highest crisis caps in the country. It covers heating emergencies including shutoff notices, running out of fuel, and broken furnace situations.
Do Native American residents apply differently?
Yes — most enrolled tribal members or direct descendants living on Montana reservations should apply through their Tribal LIHEAP office, not through DPHHS. Exception: Crow Reservation residents use District 7 HRDC in Billings.
How do I get the NorthWestern Energy LIHEAP discount?
Apply for LIHEAP through your local Human Resource Council. Once approved, the NorthWestern Energy discount is automatic — no separate application needed. Call 1-833-317-1080 for more information.
For current Montana LIHEAP information and to find your local eligibility office, visit dphhs.mt.gov/HCSD/energyassistance or call 1-800-551-3191 (elderly/disabled) or 1-800-322-2272.