Washington LIHEAP helps low-income households pay heating bills and address energy emergencies through the Washington State Department of Commerce, administered by community-based agencies and local governments across all 39 Washington counties. Commerce oversees the program at the state level but makes a critical point explicit on its website: Commerce does not determine eligibility or award grants to households — all applications are scheduled and processed through local LIHEAP provider agencies.
Washington also operates SHEAP (Supplemental Home Energy Assistance Program) — a state-funded program for households who earn too much for LIHEAP but still struggle with energy costs, with eligibility extending up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
What Does Washington LIHEAP Cover?
Heating Assistance — a one-time annual grant toward home heating costs, paid directly to the energy utility. Benefit range: $250 minimum to $1,250 maximum. The actual amount depends on household size, income, and annual heating cost. Program period: October 1 through September 30 (year-round program year, with most heating grants processed in fall and winter).
Crisis Assistance — emergency help for households facing an immediate energy crisis: shutoff notice, service disconnection, broken heating system, or running out of deliverable fuel. Maximum: $13,000 — one of the highest crisis caps in the country. Available year-round. Crisis situations include heating system repair or replacement and emergency fuel deliveries.
Weatherization Assistance — free home energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, air sealing, heating system improvements). Maximum: $20,000 — tied for among the highest weatherization caps in this series. Income limit: 200% FPL (more generous than LIHEAP’s 150% FPL). Year-round.
“You can apply for LIHEAP once each program year” — Washington explicitly states this on its Commerce LIHEAP page. The program year runs October 1 through September 30.
SHEAP — State Supplement for Moderate-Income Households
Washington’s Supplemental Home Energy Assistance Program (SHEAP) serves households that earn too much for federal LIHEAP but still struggle with energy costs:
- Income eligibility: up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) — significantly higher than LIHEAP’s 150% FPL
- Focus: In addition to bill payment, SHEAP funds can support transitioning homes to cleaner heating sources such as electric heat pumps
- Administered through the same local agencies as LIHEAP
- Contact your local LIHEAP agency to ask about SHEAP availability in your county
Washington LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Washington uses 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for heating and crisis assistance. Weatherization uses 200% FPL.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (150% FPL) | Annual Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,881 | $22,590 |
| 2 | $2,546 | $30,570 |
| 3 | $3,213 | $38,550 |
| 4 | $3,878 | $46,530 |
| 5 | $4,544 | $54,510 |
| 6 | $5,209 | $62,490 |
| 7 | $5,875 | $70,470 |
| 8 | $6,540 | $78,480 |
| Each additional | +$666/month | +$7,980/year |
Based on 150% FPL. The official Washington eligibility guidelines (PDF) are published at commerce.wa.gov/community-opportunities/liheap/. Confirm current figures before applying — “the eligibility information provided on this site is only a guide; eligibility has to be determined through your local LIHEAP provider.”
For a national comparison of LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: Washington LIHEAP has no asset test.
Categorical eligibility: Households receiving Basic Food (SNAP), Apple Health (Medicaid), or TANF may automatically meet income requirements. Washington calls its SNAP program Basic Food and its Medicaid program Apple Health — both qualifications are accepted by local LIHEAP agencies.
How to Apply for Washington LIHEAP
Step 1 — Find Your Local LIHEAP Provider Using the Commerce Map Tool
Washington Commerce explicitly states: “Commerce does not schedule appointments. Find a LIHEAP provider in your area and connect with them directly to apply.”
Use the LIHEAP Public Map Tool at commerce.wa.gov/community-opportunities/liheap/ to view your county and find the contact information for your local LIHEAP agency. Each agency has its own scheduling process — contact them directly to schedule an appointment.
You can also call 211 (Washington State 211) for referrals to your local LIHEAP provider.
For a general overview of the LIHEAP process, see how to apply for LIHEAP. Washington’s Commerce contacts are in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
Step 2 — Schedule Your Appointment
Each Washington LIHEAP agency has its own scheduling process. Some accept walk-ins; most require appointments scheduled by phone, online, or through the agency’s website. Contact your local agency directly using the information from the Commerce map tool.
Step 3 — Required Documents
Standard Washington LIHEAP documentation (exact requirements vary by local agency):
- Photo ID for the applicant
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of gross household income — pay stubs, Basic Food/Apple Health/TANF award letters, Social Security benefit statements
- Most recent heating utility bill or fuel delivery receipt
- Documentation of crisis (for crisis assistance — shutoff notice, fuel receipt, or heating system failure documentation)
Step 4 — Processing and Benefit Payment
Benefits are paid directly to the energy utility in most cases. In rare circumstances, grants may be awarded directly to households when no utility participation is available. To follow up on a submitted application, contact your local LIHEAP agency. General guidance is at how to check your LIHEAP application status.
Washington State Utility Disconnection Protections
Washington state law restricts utility shutoffs during:
- Winter months — additional protections during cold weather
- Extreme heat events — heat-related protections for qualifying households
Contact your utility company or your local LIHEAP agency for specific details about disconnection protections applicable to your situation.
Washington LIHEAP Funding 2026
Washington received $55,447,038 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026, including an additional $830,437 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In FY 2024, Washington served 87,577 heating households and 19,306 crisis households, with 762 weatherization projects. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Washington with other states.
Washington Utility Rate Discount Programs
Washington has an extensive network of utility-specific low-income discount programs. Most are administered by the same local agencies as LIHEAP. Key examples from the LIHEAP Clearinghouse Washington profile:
Tacoma Public Utilities Discount Rate — customers age 62 or older receiving disability income qualify for a 35% discount on power, water, solid waste, surface water, and/or wastewater.
Columbia Rural Electric Association Senior Citizen Discount — seniors 65+ with income at or below 150% FPL may be eligible for a rate discount. 509-382-2578 or 1-800-642-1231.
Senior Rate Credits (various utilities) — seniors age 62 or older with annual income below $24,000 may qualify for a 50% credit on bills January through April. Based on the customer’s highest four winter month bills. (Varies by utility — confirm with yours.)
General Low-Income Discount Rates — multiple Washington utilities offer 5–40% discounts for low-income customers meeting various income and age criteria. Contact your specific utility company to confirm available programs.
SHEAP — the state supplement for households earning up to 80% AMI — also administered through local LIHEAP agencies. Ask your agency about SHEAP when applying for LIHEAP.
Additional Resources for Washington Families
Washington SNAP (Basic Food): Check Washington SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Washington.
Washington Medicaid (Apple Health): Check Washington Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Washington WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 or visit wa211.org for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across Washington state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income limits for Washington LIHEAP?
150% of Federal Poverty Level — $3,878/month ($46,530/year) for a household of 4. There is no asset limit. Eligibility must be confirmed by your local LIHEAP provider — Commerce’s website income information is a guide only.
Does Washington Commerce take LIHEAP applications directly?
No — Commerce does not schedule appointments or determine eligibility. Use the LIHEAP Public Map Tool at commerce.wa.gov to find your local provider and schedule an appointment directly with them.
What is SHEAP?
SHEAP (Supplemental Home Energy Assistance Program) is a Washington state supplement for households earning too much for LIHEAP but still struggling with energy costs. Eligibility extends up to 80% of Area Median Income. SHEAP can fund bill assistance and also transition to cleaner heating sources like heat pumps. Ask your local LIHEAP agency about SHEAP availability.
What is the Washington LIHEAP crisis maximum?
Washington’s crisis assistance maximum is $13,000 — one of the highest in the country. Crisis assistance is available year-round and can cover emergency fuel deliveries, heating system repair, or replacement.
What are Basic Food and Apple Health?
Basic Food is Washington’s name for SNAP (food stamps). Apple Health is Washington’s name for Medicaid. Households receiving either program may automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements. Washington also uses “Washington State Department of Social and Health Services” (DSHS) as the administrator for Basic Food and Apple Health.
For current Washington LIHEAP information and to find your local provider, visit commerce.wa.gov/community-opportunities/liheap/ or dial 211.