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2026 Benefit Matrix

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Block Grant Maximum Income Eligibility based on 60% of the State Median Income:

60% FAMILY SIZE ANNUAL SMI

1 $30,629 2 $40,054 3 $49,478 4 $58,903 5 $68,327 6 $77,751

Reference ACF HHS Policy Guidance for additional households: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/policy- guidance/liheap-im-2024-02-federal-poverty-guidelines-and-state-median-income-estimates

Crisis Assistance Benefits (Electric and Non-electric Vendors)

Maximum: Vulnerable Household Non-vulnerable Household 60% SMI Up to $1,000.00 Up to $1,000.00

Non-Emergency Benefits (Electric and Non-electric Vendors)

South Carolina’s non-emergency LIHEAP benefit matrix is intended to provide vulnerable and high-burden households the highest non-emergency LIHEAP benefit to offset the cost of home heating/cooling expenses. Each eligible household receives a minimum non-emergency benefit of $200. Additional benefits are awarded if the household/a member of the household is: elderly ($75); disabled ($50); household income 70% of the 60% SMI or less ($175); child 5 years of age or younger ($50); household energy burden is demonstrated ((20% or more of income used for utilities) $175); heats with fuel ($75); a veteran ($50). The maximum non-emergency benefit during the heating season is $850. The maximum non- emergency benefit during the cooling season is $775 (no fuel benefit awarded May 1 – September 30).

Maximum: Description Vulnerable Household Non-Vulnerable Household 60% SMI Minimum Benefit $200 $200 60% SMI Child Age 5 or < $50 - 60% SMI Energy Burden $175 $175 60% SMI Elderly, Age 60+ $75 - 60% SMI Disabled $50 - 60% SMI Income <70% of 60% SMI $175 - 60% SMI Fuel $75 $75 60% SMI Veteran $50 $50

Maximum Non-Emergency Heating Award: $850.00 Maximum Non-Emergency Cooling Award: $775.00