The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is a federally financed program with the primary goal of aiding low-income individuals and families in the good management of their energy expenditures. Within the state of Iowa, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is responsible for the administration of LIHEAP, serving as a critical component in guaranteeing that at-risk households can attain secure and reasonably priced energy resources.
Heating costs increase substantially in the winter months, being that Iowa is one of the northernmost states in the country and temperatures can drop a lot, below zero for up to weeks. The idea of the LIHEAP program is to prevent people from running the risk of health problems and even death from freezing cold weather.
Applying for LIHEAP Funds in Iowa: Get the Cash to Pay Utility Bills
Starting on Wednesday, November 1, we will begin accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This initiative is generously funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and administered through the Iowa DHS, specifically within the Community Access Division and the Community Action Agencies Unit. The primary aim of this program is to offer support to eligible low-income homeowners and renters in Iowa by assisting them in covering a portion of their essential heating expenses.
Our dedicated Community Action Agency, known as New Opportunities, will be receiving applications from November 1 through April 30 (October 1 for households with elderly or disabled members). To apply, LIHEAP applicants will be required to provide a valid form of identification, a copy of their most recent heating and electric bill, and documentation verifying the gross income of all household members over the last 30 calendar days, the past 12 months, or the previous calendar year.
For those interested in applying in person, please schedule an appointment at the following address: New Opportunities, Carroll County Family Development Center, 23751 Hwy 30 E, PO Box 427, Carroll, IA 51401, or contact us at 712-792-9266. Your well-being and comfort during the colder months are important to us, and we are here to lend a helping hand. Alternative ways to apply include email, fax, regular mail and online. For more details, visit www.newopp.org.
Keep in mind that the program isn’t intended to cover all of a household’s energy expenses. It offers additional support based on various factors, including total household income, household size, housing type, and the heating fuel used, among other considerations.
Eligibility Is Based on the Household’s Income – Here Are the Limits
Eligibility for participation is established according to the following federal income guidelines (household size and annual gross income threshold):
- 1 person: $29,160
- 2 people: $39,440
- 3 people: $49,720
- 4 people: $60,000
- 5 people: $70,280
- 6 people: $80,560
- 7 people: $90,840
- 8 people: $101,120
- For households with more than 8 members: add $10,280 for each additional member.