Arizona LIHEAP — the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — helps low-income Arizona households pay heating and cooling bills. The program is federally funded and administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) through local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the state. Arizona is one of the few states with a significant cooling assistance component, which matters enormously given Arizona’s extreme summer heat.
Arizona also runs Power AZ — a state-funded companion program that extends utility assistance to households who earn too much to qualify for LIHEAP. Both programs are screened in a single combined application.
What Does Arizona LIHEAP Cover?
Regular Heating Assistance — a one-time payment per heating season, sent directly to your utility vendor. Benefit range: $160 minimum to $640 maximum.
Regular Cooling Assistance — a one-time payment per cooling season, sent directly to your utility vendor. Benefit range: $160 minimum to $640 maximum. Arizona’s cooling assistance covers electricity for air conditioning and water for evaporative cooling (swamp coolers) from May 1 to October 31.
Crisis Assistance — emergency help when your household faces an immediate energy crisis: shutoff notice, broken heating or cooling equipment, or a dangerous temperature situation. Maximum: $500.
Energy-Related Repair (ERR) — a crisis sub-program for heating and cooling equipment that is broken or inoperable. ERR helps repair or replace the equipment itself, not just pay the bill.
Weatherization — administered by the Arizona Department of Housing (not DES), provides home energy efficiency upgrades. Income limit: 200% FPL.
Arizona also participates in tribal LIHEAP — several tribal nations in Arizona administer their own LIHEAP programs directly. See below for tribal eligibility details.
Eligible utility types: Electric, gas, propane, wood, coal, kerosene, fuel oil, and water for evaporative cooling. Sewer, trash, telephone, cable, and internet are NOT eligible.
Arizona LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Arizona uses 60% of State Median Income (SMI) as its eligibility threshold — not the standard 150% FPL used by most states. For households of 10 or more members, Arizona uses 150% FPL instead.
The 60% SMI threshold is generally more generous than 150% FPL for most Arizona household sizes, meaning more households qualify in Arizona than in states using the 150% FPL benchmark. For a full national comparison of state income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (60% SMI) |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~$2,553 |
| 2 | ~$3,335 |
| 3 | ~$4,117 |
| 4 | ~$4,897 |
| 5 | ~$5,679 |
| 6 | ~$6,461 |
| 7 | ~$7,241 |
| 8 | ~$8,022 |
| 9 | ~$8,803 |
| 10+ | 150% FPL applies |
Arizona’s 60% SMI figures update when the state median income is revised. Confirm exact 2026 limits at des.az.gov/liheap or by calling 1-866-494-1981.
Categorical eligibility: Households receiving DES Cash Assistance (TANF) or DES Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) are automatically considered to meet LIHEAP income requirements. Your income already on file with DES will be used — no additional income documentation required for categorically eligible households.
No asset limit: Arizona LIHEAP has no asset test.
Power AZ — For Households Above LIHEAP Income Limits
Power AZ is Arizona’s state-funded companion to LIHEAP. If your income exceeds the LIHEAP 60% SMI threshold, you may still qualify for Power AZ with income up to 100% State Median Income (SMI).
Key Power AZ details:
- Same eligibility requirements as LIHEAP except the higher income threshold
- Same benefit limits: up to $640 standard and up to $500 crisis
- Screened automatically in the same combined application
- Administered by the same DES/CAA network
- You can only receive ONE of LIHEAP or Power AZ per 12-month eligibility period — not both
If you apply and exceed the LIHEAP limit, DES will automatically screen you for Power AZ. No separate application is needed.
Arizona LIHEAP Program Dates 2026
Arizona’s program dates vary by county based on climate zone:
Group 1 Counties — Higher Elevation / Cooler Climate: Coconino, Yavapai, Navajo, Apache, Greenlee, Graham, Cochise, and Santa Cruz
| Program | Dates |
|---|---|
| Heating | November 1 – March 31 |
| Cooling | April 1 – October 31 |
Group 2 Counties — Lower Desert / Hotter Climate: Mojave, La Paz, Yuma, Maricopa, Gila, Pinal, and Pima
| Program | Dates |
|---|---|
| Heating | December 1 – March 31 |
| Cooling | April 1 – November 30 |
This county-specific structure is unique to Arizona in this series. Maricopa County (Phoenix metro) and Pima County (Tucson) — Arizona’s most populous counties — are in Group 2 with the longer cooling season.
Funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply as soon as the season opens.
Who Qualifies for Arizona LIHEAP
To be eligible for Arizona LIHEAP, your household must meet all of the following:
- Arizona residency: You must live in Arizona in a fixed-address dwelling (house, apartment, manufactured home, etc.)
- Income: Household gross income at or below 60% SMI (or 150% FPL for households of 10+)
- Energy need: You must have an energy cost or need — electric, gas, propane, wood, coal, kerosene, fuel oil, or water for evaporative cooling
- Citizenship: U.S. citizens or qualified noncitizens (LPRs, refugees, etc.) — only eligible household members count toward household size
Not eligible:
- Households in subsidized housing where utilities are included and covered by the subsidy
- Households without a fixed address
- Households that already received LIHEAP or Power AZ for the same benefit period
Tribal members: If a household member belongs to a tribe that runs its own LIHEAP program, the household should contact their tribe first. If tribal funds are exhausted or the application is denied, they can then apply through DES/CAA. The Tohono O’odham Nation is the only Arizona tribe that formally partners with DES for LIHEAP administration.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in Arizona
Step 1 — Apply Online or By Paper
Online (preferred): Apply through the A-to-Z Arizona Portal — Arizona’s combined benefits portal. The LIHEAP/Power AZ application is available at des.az.gov/liheap. The online application screens you for both LIHEAP and Power AZ simultaneously.
Paper application: Download Form EAP-1002A (effective January 1, 2026) from des.az.gov or request one by calling 1-866-494-1981 — also listed in the LIHEAP phone number directory — or by visiting your local Community Action Agency. For a general walkthrough of what to expect, see how to apply for LIHEAP.
Step 2 — Gather Required Documents
- Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport) for the applicant
- Social Security cards or numbers for all household members — and birth certificates if available
- Proof of citizenship or qualifying immigration status (U.S. passport, green card, refugee documentation, or TPS documentation)
- Proof of income for all household members — recent pay stubs, award letters (SSA, SSI, SNAP, Cash Assistance), unemployment benefit statements, or self-employment records
- Most recent utility bill showing your account number, service address, and utility provider name
- Proof of permanent residency — lease agreement, deed, or property tax bill
Step 3 — Submit Through Your Local Community Action Agency
For in-person assistance or to submit a paper application, visit your local CAA. Arizona DES partners with CAAs statewide who handle intake, processing, and case management under the Community Navigation model — CAA staff focus on intake and can also help connect you with additional benefits.
Find your local CAA at des.az.gov or by calling the LIHEAP service line.
Step 4 — Contact DES
- LIHEAP service line: 1-866-494-1981 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM)
- For ADA accommodations or paper application requests: call 1-866-494-1981 or visit a CAA
- For tribal LIHEAP questions: visit the LIHEAP Map Tribal Contact Listing at des.az.gov
Step 5 — Receive Your Benefit
Approved benefits are paid directly to your utility vendor as a credit on your account. You will be notified of your approval and benefit amount. Benefits are issued for a 12-month eligibility period. To follow up on a pending case, see how to check your LIHEAP application status.
Arizona Address Confidentiality Program (ACP): Participants in Arizona’s ACP — which protects the addresses of domestic violence survivors and others — may apply for and receive LIHEAP. Your information will be protected per ACP requirements.
Arizona Utility Company Assistance Programs
Arizona utility companies also offer their own emergency assistance programs that can supplement LIHEAP:
- Arizona Public Service (APS) Crisis Bill Assistance — up to $1,000/year for qualifying customers experiencing financial hardship
- APS Energy Support — 25% or 60% discount on electricity costs for income-eligible customers
- Salt River Project (SRP) Share the Savings — bill assistance for low-income customers in the SRP service area
- Tucson Electric Power (TEP) Energy Support Program — bill discounts for qualifying low-income customers
These utility programs can be used alongside LIHEAP. Contact your utility company directly or apply through a CAA.
Arizona LIHEAP Funding 2026
Arizona received $35,474,431 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026, including an additional $1,665,261 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In FY 2024, Arizona served 11,248 heating households, 24,978 cooling households, 10,706 crisis households, and 537 weatherization households. For funding details across all 50 states, browse the LIHEAP state directory.
The much higher cooling enrollment (24,978) versus heating enrollment (11,248) reflects Arizona’s extreme desert summers — cooling assistance is as critical as heating assistance in most of the state.
Additional Resources for Arizona Families
Arizona SNAP (Nutrition Assistance): Check Arizona SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Arizona.
Arizona Medicaid (AHCCCS): Check Arizona Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Arizona WIC income eligibility.
Arizona 211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and utility assistance programs across Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LIHEAP in Arizona?
LIHEAP is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — a federally funded program administered by Arizona DES and local Community Action Agencies. It helps low-income Arizona households pay heating and cooling bills and provides crisis assistance for energy emergencies. Arizona also offers Power AZ, a state-funded companion program for households above the LIHEAP income limit.
What is Power AZ?
Power AZ is Arizona’s state-funded utility assistance program for households that earn too much for LIHEAP. It uses the same application and the same benefit amounts (up to $640 standard, up to $500 crisis) but extends eligibility to households earning up to 100% of the State Median Income. You are automatically screened for Power AZ when you apply for LIHEAP.
What are the income limits for Arizona LIHEAP?
Arizona uses 60% of State Median Income rather than 150% FPL for most households. For households of 10 or more people, 150% FPL applies. The 60% SMI threshold is generally more generous than 150% FPL for most household sizes. Call 1-866-494-1981 or visit des.az.gov/liheap for current figures.
How do program dates differ by county in Arizona?
Arizona assigns different heating and cooling season dates based on climate zone. Maricopa (Phoenix), Pima (Tucson), Yuma, and other desert counties have a longer cooling season (April 1–November 30). Higher-elevation counties like Coconino and Yavapai have a shorter cooling season (April 1–October 31) and an earlier heating start (November 1).
How much is Arizona LIHEAP worth?
Regular heating and cooling assistance ranges from $160 to $640. Crisis assistance is up to $500. Benefits are paid directly to your utility vendor.
Can I get both LIHEAP and Power AZ?
No — you can only receive one program per 12-month eligibility period. If you qualify for LIHEAP, you receive LIHEAP. If your income is above the LIHEAP threshold but below 100% SMI, you receive Power AZ instead.
For the official Arizona LIHEAP program information and to apply, visit des.az.gov/liheap or call 1-866-494-1981. Income limits are based on State Median Income and may be updated — confirm current figures with DES.