Need help with your heating bill?
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
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 through April 1 (October 1 for households with elderly/disabled
member), Monday through Friday, or as posted at the local office. The LIHEAP
application also serves as an application for the Weatherization Assistance
Program.
ELIGIBILITY
A household may qualify for assistance in this program if the household's income falls within a certain income range. 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 electrical 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) publically operated community residence or emergency shelter is ineligible unless they are paying a vendor directly for their primary heating source.
PROOF OF INCOME
Documents must offer proof of total household gross income from all sources. We
must have complete proof of income to process your application.
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FIXED INCOME:
Income may include: Social Security Benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Aid to
Families with Dependent Children or Family Investment Program, Veterans' Assistance,
Unemployment Insurance, pensions. Also send a copy of your most recent check.
WAGE EARNERS:
Copies of your check stubs for the three months preceeding the date of application,
preceeding the date of application, or a copy of your federal income tax return will be needed.
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SELF-EMPLOYMENT/FARMERS:
A copy of your most recent federal income tax return.
If you receive interest or dividend income, alimony or child support, it will also need
to be verified.
TANF (FIP) AND SSI RECIPIENTS:
Please bring in a copy of your Medicaid card.
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You'll need a copy of both your heating and electric bill, telephone bill if you
wish to apply for Telephone Lifeline Assistance, or any other documents showing your
account numbers or energy suppliers. For more information, contact (515) 281-0859;
or JERRY.MCKIM@iowa.gov
Community Action Centers:
Polk County Center, Ankeny
515-965-0433
MICA, Ames
515-956-3333
MICA, Marshalltown
641-753-5523
Jasper County Center, Newton
641-792-3008
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