Glossary · Programs & credentials

Area median income (AMI)

Also called: % of AMI · percent of AMI

The middle household income for your area; rebate programs set eligibility as a percentage of it, such as under 80% or 150% of AMI.

What it means

Because AMI-based limits differ by location, the same household income can qualify in one county and not in another. HEEHR rebates are limited to households under 150% of AMI, and states may offer larger HOMES rebates to households under 80% of AMI.

Why it matters in an audit

Your income relative to AMI can decide whether you get a large rebate, a partial one or none, so check your state program's income table first.

Typical numbers

Reference values with their sources. Your auditor’s report gives the figure for your own house.

What	Value	Source
HEEHR	Households under 150% of AMI	energy.gov ↗
HOMES	Grantees may increase rebates for households under 80% of AMI	energy.gov ↗

Sources

Learn more here

Related terms

High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate (HEEHR) An Inflation Reduction Act rebate run by states for efficient electric equipment and envelope upgrades in lower- and moderate-income homes.
HOMES rebates (Home Owner Managing Energy Savings) A federal rebate, run by states, that pays $2,000 to $8,000 based on the modeled energy savings of whole-home upgrades.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) A US Department of Energy program, delivered by state and local agencies, that makes low-income households' homes more energy efficient.
State median income (SMI) The middle household income for a whole state; LIHEAP and some weatherization and rebate programs set income limits as a share of it, such as 60% of SMI.
Federal poverty level (FPL) Yearly income figures, by household size, that the US government publishes and assistance programs use to set income limits, such as 200% of poverty.

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