Tennessee LIHEAP helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), administered through local subgrantee agencies (Community Action Agencies and Human Resource Agencies) serving every Tennessee county. THDA’s approach to LIHEAP is more centralized than most states: all applications are submitted online through THDA’s SmartSimple portal — not at individual agency offices — and the application period opens statewide at 8:00 AM CST on November 1 each year.
Tennessee LIHEAP stands out for two distinctive policies: benefits are calculated using household energy burden (the percentage of income spent on energy) rather than a flat income-tier table, and funds are not distributed first-come, first-served — instead, applications are prioritized by household vulnerability and highest energy burden.
What Does Tennessee LIHEAP Cover?
Regular Heating Assistance — a one-time payment per program year toward winter home heating costs, applied directly to the utility company or energy supplier. Benefit range: $174 minimum to $750 maximum, depending on household energy burden. Available October 1 through April 30.
Regular Cooling Assistance — a one-time payment per program year toward summer cooling costs. Benefit range: $174 minimum to $750 maximum. Available May 1 through September 30.
Crisis Assistance — emergency help for households in an immediate energy crisis: a disconnection notice, service already shut off, or a qualifying circumstance (elderly member, disabled member, or child under age 6). Maximum: $750. Available year-round. Crisis applicants must have a cutoff or disconnect notice from a home energy provider and meet a qualifying circumstance status.
“No benefit payments will be made in October” — Tennessee explicitly notes this for new program years: even though the program year starts October 1 and applications open November 1, no payments are processed in October. Benefits begin flowing after the SmartSimple portal opens November 1.
Weatherization Assistance — free home energy efficiency upgrades. Income limit: 200% FPL. Year-round. Subgrantees may provide weatherization alongside LIHEAP.
Tangible goods: Tennessee THDA allows subgrantees to provide tangible goods (fans, space heaters, weather stripping, etc.) as part of LIHEAP assistance when funding permits.
Energy Burden Formula — Not a Flat Benefit Table
Tennessee is one of the few states in this series that explicitly calculates benefits using household energy burden — the percentage of household income spent on home energy. After a household’s energy burden is calculated, applications are prioritized by:
- Priority population status (elderly 60+, disabled, children under 6)
- Highest energy burden among income-eligible households
This means two households with the same income may receive different benefit amounts depending on their relative energy costs. Households spending a higher percentage of income on energy receive more assistance. The formula uses THDA’s FY 2026 State Median Income, adjusted for household size.
Tennessee LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Tennessee uses 60% of State Median Income (SMI) for LIHEAP and crisis assistance. Weatherization uses 200% FPL. The official income eligibility chart is published by THDA at thda.org/help-for-homeowners/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap as the LI-04 Poverty Income Guidelines form.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (approx. 60% TN SMI) | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ~$2,836 | ~$34,032 |
| 2 | ~$3,709 | ~$44,508 |
| 3 | ~$4,582 | ~$54,984 |
| 4 | ~$5,455 | ~$65,460 |
| 5 | ~$6,328 | ~$75,936 |
| 6 | ~$7,201 | ~$86,412 |
| 7 | ~$7,368 | ~$88,416 |
| 8 | ~$7,535 | ~$90,420 |
Based on 60% Tennessee SMI for FY 2026. Confirm the LI-04 chart at thda.org — the official income chart may differ slightly from these estimates.
For a national comparison of LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: Tennessee LIHEAP has no asset test.
Zero income households: A Zero Income Declaration Form (LI-03) is available for households with no countable income. Complete with your local LIHEAP agency.
Self-employment: A Self-Employment Form (LI-06) is required for self-employed applicants.
Application Requirements — Email Address Mandatory
Tennessee LIHEAP has a mandatory application requirement that distinguishes it from most other states: all applicants are required to have an email address to apply. This is how THDA and subgrantees communicate application status updates and requests for additional information.
If you do not have an email address or need assistance applying online, contact your local subgrantee agency — appointments may be available for clients with limited internet access, and paper applications may be mailed upon request.
How to Apply for Tennessee LIHEAP
Step 1 — Wait for November 1 at 8:00 AM CST
Tennessee’s SmartSimple application portal opens November 1, 2026 at 8:00 AM Central Standard Time. Applications submitted before this date and time are not accepted. The link goes live on the THDA website at thda.org.
Step 2 — Apply Online at the THDA SmartSimple Portal
All applications must be submitted online through the THDA SmartSimple portal at thda.org. Applicants upload all required documentation electronically through the portal.
For a general overview of the LIHEAP process, see how to apply for LIHEAP. Tennessee’s THDA contact is in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
THDA main line: 615-815-2200
If you need assistance applying: Contact your local subgrantee agency:
- East Tennessee (6 counties): East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) — 865-691-2551 ext. 4231 or LIHEAP@ethra.org
- Knox County: Knoxville Knox County CAC — 865-637-6700
- Hamilton County (Chattanooga): Hamilton County Office of Family Empowerment
- South Central TN: South Central Human Resource Agency (SCHRA) — contact your local Neighborhood Service Center
- Find your county’s subgrantee at thda.org
Step 3 — Required Documents (Upload Electronically)
All documents are uploaded through the SmartSimple portal:
- Photo ID for the applicant
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of gross income — pay stubs, SSI/SNAP/Social Security award letters, pension statements; use the LI-06 Self-Employment Form if self-employed; use the LI-03 Zero Income Form if no income
- Most recent utility bill(s) — showing account number and service address
- Landlord Agreement (LI-05) — required if you rent and utilities are included in rent or paid to the landlord
- Verification of Disability Form (LI-11) — if a household member is disabled
- Disconnect notice (for crisis assistance — required)
Step 4 — Processing
Benefits are not distributed first-come, first-served — Tennessee prioritizes by household vulnerability and energy burden. Regular assistance processing can take 30 to 45 days; crisis assistance is expedited. Benefits are paid directly to utility providers.
To follow up, check your email for THDA or subgrantee communications, or see how to track your LIHEAP application status.
Fair hearing: If denied, you have the right to appeal and request a fair hearing.
Tennessee LIHEAP Funding 2026
Tennessee received $69,833,695 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026. In FY 2024, Tennessee served 67,409 heating households, 18,205 cooling households, 25,372 winter crisis households, and 6,551 summer crisis households, with 264 weatherization projects. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Tennessee with other states.
Tennessee Utility Assistance Programs
TVA Home Uplift — TVA’s Home Uplift program (through local power companies) provides free home energy upgrades including insulation, HVAC repairs, and health and safety improvements for qualifying low-income households. Contact your local power distributor (LPC) about TVA Home Uplift.
KUB Project Help (Knoxville) — Knoxville Utilities Board partners with a nonprofit to provide emergency energy assistance to households with a final utility notice and documented financial hardship, regardless of energy source. Apply through the Knox County CAC at 865-637-6700.
Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) On Track — payment program for MLGW customers owing more than $600; provides extended payment plans up to three years plus deposit credit after completion.
Nashville Electric Service (NES) / Piedmont Natural Gas Project Help — community donation-funded emergency payments for past-due balances in Nashville.
EPB Power Share (Chattanooga) — EPB partners with United Way for emergency utility assistance for Chattanooga-area customers.
Dollar Energy Fund’s Neighbor to Neighbor — available to eligible customers after first applying for LIHEAP; provides additional utility assistance when LIHEAP funds are exhausted.
Additional Resources for Tennessee Families
Tennessee SNAP (Families First): Check Tennessee SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Tennessee.
Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare): Check Tennessee Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Tennessee WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income limits for Tennessee LIHEAP?
Tennessee uses 60% of State Median Income — approximately $5,455/month ($65,460/year) for a household of 4. There is no asset limit. Confirm the LI-04 chart at thda.org before applying.
How is my Tennessee LIHEAP benefit calculated?
Benefits range from $174 to $750 based on household energy burden — the percentage of income spent on home energy costs. This formula-based approach means households with higher energy burden receive more assistance, independent of their exact income level within the eligibility range.
Is Tennessee LIHEAP first-come, first-served?
No — Tennessee funds are awarded based on household vulnerability (elderly, disabled, children under 6) and highest energy burden, not the order applications are received.
When can I apply for Tennessee LIHEAP?
Applications open November 1 each year at 8:00 AM Central Standard Time through the THDA SmartSimple portal. No payments are made in October even though the program year starts October 1.
Do I need an email address to apply?
Yes — all Tennessee LIHEAP applicants must have an email address. THDA and agencies communicate status updates via email. If you lack internet access, contact your local subgrantee agency for assistance.
For current Tennessee LIHEAP information and to apply, visit thda.org/help-for-homeowners/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap or call THDA at 615-815-2200.