Glossary · Programs & credentials
State median income (SMI)
Also called: 60% of state median income
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.
What it means
Half of a state's households earn more than the state median income and half earn less. Federal law lets LIHEAP use the greater of 150% of the poverty guidelines or 60% of SMI, and some state weatherization and rebate programs use SMI too. Area median income (AMI) is the same idea for a county or metro area.
Why it matters in an audit
In higher-income states the 60% of SMI limit can be more generous than the poverty-based one, so check both when you see an income table.
Typical numbers
Reference values with their sources. Your auditor’s report gives the figure for your own house.
| What | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| LIHEAP federal limit | The greater of 150% of the poverty guidelines or 60% of state median income | law.cornell.edu ↗ |