Winter Energy Assistance

LIHEAP HELPS LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WITH HEATING BILLS

     Your family may qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) if your household income falls within the income guidelines shown below.  Please note that LIHEAP is not designed to pay your household’s total energy costs; instead, the program provides assistance in the payment of residential heating cost for eligible households.

NOTE:  Add $1,177.50 per three months – or $4,710. annually – for each additional family member.

     At the time you apply, you will be told whether you are eligible and for what amount you might qualify.  This initial determination is subject to review and is totally dependent on the availability of federal funds.  In most cases, benefits will be in the form of a credit applied to the heating bill you receive from your electric coop.

     Besides meeting the income guidelines, you must furnish a copy of recent heating, electric and telephone bills.  You also must show proof of your household’s gross income from all sources for the last three months as well as interest income verification for 2002.

     If you’re a wage earner, you should bring copies of your check stubs for the three-month period before the date of application or a copy of your federal income tax return.  If you’re self-employed or a farmer, provide a copy of your most-recent federal income tax return.  And if you’re on a fixed income – such as Social Security, Veterans’ Assistance, Family Investment Program, unemployment insurance or a pension – bring copies of your three most recent check stubs.

     Households residing in subsidized housing units that are independently metered – and who also are responsible for paying their primary heating costs – are eligible; households living in subsidized housing units that are master-metered usually are not eligible.  In addition, residents of any licensed medical facility (hospital, skilled nursing facility or intermediate-care facility), a publicly operated community residence or an emergency shelter are not eligible unless they pay a vendor directly for their primary heating source.

     In Iowa, applications for the program will be accepted Monday through Friday (or as posted at the local office) on a first-come, first-served basis from November 1, through April 15; the start date was October 1 for households with elderly and disabled applicants.

     For more information about the program or to find out where to apply, write:  Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Iowa Department of Human Rights, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA 50319.  You also can call 515-281-0859 or visit this webpage for more information.------------------------------------

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