LIHEAP Iowa

LIHEAP in Iowa

LIHEAP, or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is a federal program easing the burden of heating and cooling costs for low-income families and individuals. The program, though federal, is regulated on a state level. Each state has a different set of income guidelines residents must meet to qualify for program funding. For Iowa, the income level is set at 150% of the federal poverty line. LIHEAP distributes the money directly to one of the following utility companies, depending on which company provides heating and cooling services for the application.

• Access Energy Cooperative
• Alliant Energy
• Atmos Energy
• Black Hills Energy
• Butler County REC
• Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative
• Consumers Energy
• East-Central Iowa REC
• Harlan Municipal Utilities
• Harrison County REC
• Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative
• Mid-American Energy Company
• Nishnabotna Valley REC
• Northwest REC
• Peoples Natural Gas/Energy One
• Prairie Energy Cooperative
• Rideta Electric Cooperative
• Southwest Service Iowa Cooperative

Iowa LIHEAP Assistance

Federal funding approved for Iowa during the 2011/2012 LIHEAP program dates reached more than $41 million. The funding was distributed to about 96,000 households in 2011. The average payment for heating costs was $560, though the program does allow higher payments based on income and need. Applicants must apply for heating credits between November 1 and April 30 each calendar year. The program is yearly so re-application is required each year. If you are a senior citizen or you are disabled, you can apply for LIHEAP money starting October 1 of each year. Crisis applications are accepted year round. These applications are processed more quickly than general LIHEAP applications as they are often associated with the threat of service interruption.

LIHEAP Application & How to Apply

If you feel you qualify for LIHEAP, contact the Iowa Division of Community Action Agencies at 1-515-281-3861. You can also visit one of the local centers providing Iowa LIHEAP support. The centers work directly with the state to give advice on LIHEAP and accept applications.

When applying for LIHEAP it is important to keep your utility company informed about your application and financial situation. Many utility companies have in-house programs to help low-income customers meet heating and cooling costs while waiting for LIHEAP assistance, or in addition to LIHEAP assistance as the one-time payment is often not enough to cover bills for more than a month or two.

LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?

Residents of Iowa must earn at or below the 150% of poverty income guidelines as established by the Department of Health and Human Services.

If your family size is larger than eight, you can add $5,730 to the total allowed income for each additional family member.