The Federal LIHEAP program provides free government assistance for heating, cooling, appliances, to low income, elderly and disabled families in Iowa.
The Bureau of Energy Assistance administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This federally-funded block grant is designed to aid qualifying households in the payment of a portion of their residential heating costs for the winter heating season. The program’s energy crisis intervention components are designed to provide immediate response to alleviate potentially life-threatening situations, and the client education component of the program provides funds for activities that encourage regular utility payments, promote energy awareness and encourage reduction of energy use through energy efficiency, client education and weatherization.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to assist low-income families meet the cost of home heating. Applications are accepted on a first come/first served basis at your local community action agency from November 1, 2013 through April 30, 2014 (October 1 for households with elderly/disabled member), Monday through Friday, or as posted at the local office.
ELIGIBILITY
A household may qualify for assistance in this program if the household’s income falls within the income range listed below. This program is not designed to pay a household’s total energy costs, but to provide assistance in the payment of residential heating costs for eligible households.
At the time you apply, providing you have brought all necessary documentation with you (proof of income for the last 13 weeks and a copy of your heating and electric bills), you will be told whether you are eligible and if so, for what amount you might qualify. This initial determination is subject to review and totally dependent on the availability of federal funds. In most cases, benefits will be in the form of a credit applied to your heating bill by your utility company. Households who reside in subsidized housing that are individually metered and responsible for paying their primary heating costs are eligible. Subsidized households that are master metered are usually not eligible to receive assistance benefits.
Residents of any licensed medical facility (hospital, skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility) publicly operated community residence or emergency shelter is ineligible unless they are paying a vendor directly for their primary heating source.
Downloadable eligibility information as a Word document and as a PDF .
Income Maximums
LiHEAP Eligibility 150% of Poverty (November 1, 2013 – April 30, 2014)
(Beginning October 1, 2013 for households with elderly/disabled members)
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Three Month Gross Income
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$4,309
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$5,816
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$7,324
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$8,831
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$10,339
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$11,846
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* For households with more than six members, add $1,508 for a three-month period and $6,030 annually for each additional member.
* Medical Waiver: Households who are over LIHEAP regular income guidelines may be eligible for LIHEAP benefits through our medical waiver component. The medical expenses must be documented, paid, and non-reimbursable. For more information please contact your local community action agency.
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Proof of Income
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What to Take:
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Fixed Income:This income may include:
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Wage Earners:
Please bring copies of your check stubs for the three months preceding the date of application or a copy of your federal income tax return. |
Self-Employment/Farmers:
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FIP Recipients:Please bring your current DHS Notice of Decision or contact your local office for acceptable documentation. |
Attach a copy of both your heating and electric bill, telephone bill, or any other documents showing your accoun0t numbers or energy suppliers. Social Security Numbers are required for all household members. For more information contact: (515) 281-0859.
Contact
Mr. Jerry McKim
Chief, Bureau of Energy Assistance
Division of Community Action Agencies
Department of Human Rights
Lucas State Office Building
321 E. 12th Street, 2nd Floor
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
TEL: (515) 281-0859
FAX: (515) 242-6119
E-MAIL: jerry.mckim@iowa.gov
WEB SITE: www.dcaa.iowa.gov/bureau_EA/index.html
PUBLIC INQUIRIES: 515-281-3861