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Understanding LMI Benefits

What are LMI benefits and what do they have to do with community solar?
LMI benefits consist of programs and resources designed to help individuals and families who fall within specific income limits. They can include housing, food, or financial assistance.

Some states have created incentive programs to provide funding for community solar projects that subscribe low-income customers. Other states even require a certain percentage of a community solar project to specifically serve low-income subscribers or low-income-serving organizations.  If a customer provides proof of LMI documentation for one of these programs, they may be eligible for additional discounts on community solar.

How do customers know if they’re eligible for these benefits?
Specific LMI benefits and eligibility requirements can vary significantly between states and even within counties or cities. State-specific LMI programs are listed at the bottom of this page, under “State-by-State LMI Programs.”

How do customers submit LMI documentation?
The fastest and easiest way to submit LMI documentation is through the form capture field during enrollment. If a qualified customer is unable to provide documentation at that time, they can still submit it after enrollment through this form or by emailing careteam@thinkcommunitysolar.com. Once we receive their submission, we’ll either update your accounts or request more information — a process that takes 2-3 business days.

What are the requirements for LMI documentation?
To qualify for LMI-based community solar programs, customers must submit proof of participation in an eligible LMI program. The submitted documentation must meet the following criteria: 

  • The customer’s name on the LMI proof document must match the name on the enrollment and utility bill.
  • Exceptions:  
    • If the benefit is for the customer’s child (who still resides at the enrolling residence), the child’s last name on the proof document must match the customer’s last name on the utility bill/enrollment.
    • If the proof document lists the customer’s spouse’s name while the customer is listed on the bill/enrollment, this will be accepted. 
  • The proof document must include a date within 12 months of the enrollment date.
    • Example: If enrollment is on February 2, 2025, the proof document (such as an award letter, benefit card issue date, or a utility bill reflecting the benefit) must be dated February 2, 2024, or later.
  • The name of the eligible LMI program must appear on the proof document. 

What if a customer submits a document that is missing some required details?
If one proof document does not contain all the necessary information, the customer must submit additional documents to fill in any missing details. 

  • Example: If a customer submits a Medicaid award letter that is over 12 months old but contains their name. However, their Medicaid benefit card includes an issue date within 12 months. Since the two documents together meet all the requirements, this submission will be accepted. 

What types of documents can customers submit?
Customers can submit any official documentation that meets the above requirements, including but not limited to: 

  • A screenshot from a benefits portal (must include a visible program name, logo, or URL indicating the source). 
  • An award letter from an eligible LMI program. 
  • A benefit card showing the participant’s name and issue date. 
  • A current utility bill that reflects the LMI benefit. 

State-by-State LMI Programs

Colorado
LMI qualifications not available. 

Illinois
Food Stamps/EBT Cards (SNAP)
Free/Reduced School Lunch
Medicaid
Section 8 Housing Voucher
Market-specific certification required.  

Maine
Food Stamps/EBT Cards (SNAP)
Free/Reduced School Lunch
Medicaid
Section 8 Housing Voucher
Market-specific certification required. 

Maryland
LIHEAP
Medicaid
Section 8 Housing Voucher
Food Stamps/EBT (SNAP)
Maryland Energy Assistance Program
Head Start
Free & Reduced Lunch
EmPOWER Maryland
Fuel Fund of Maryland 

Massachusetts
Opportunity Zone or R2 Meter 

Minnesota
Weatherization Assistance Program
LIHEAP
SNAP
Medicaid
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Lifeline USAC
Section 8 Housing Voucher  

New Jersey
LIHEAP
Medicaid
Universal Service Fund
Comfort Partners
Lifeline Utility Assistance Program
Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE)
Section 8 Housing Voucher
Food Stamps/EBT (SNAP)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
NJ Family Care
Lifeline Program administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company 

New York
LIHEAP
Medicaid
Universal Service Fund
Lifeline Utility Assistance Program
Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE)
Section 8 Housing Voucher
Food Stamps/EBT (SNAP)
Free/Reduced School Lunch Voucher
Opportunity Zone
Lifeline Program administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company  

Rhode Island
LMI qualifications not available. 

Virginia
Medicaid
SNAP
Section 8 Housing Voucher
Free/Reduced School Lunch Letter
Medicare D-SNP (Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan)
LIHEAP
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Weatherization Assistance Program 

Washington, D.C.
LMI qualifications not available.