Many families see themselves struggling to keep up with energy bills during the upcoming cold months. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) might be the support you’ve been searching for. In Iowa, LIHEAP is an initiative designed to assist low-income households in managing their energy costs and ensuring they have a warm and safe home during the cold winter months.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that operates in every state across the nation, including Iowa. Its primary goal is to provide financial assistance to eligible individuals and families, helping them cover the costs of heating and cooling their homes. In the state of Iowa, LIHEAP is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Community Access Division, and Community Action Agencies Unit. But, specifically, in the northeast area, it’s administered by the Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC).
LIHEAP in Iowa Now Accepting Applications
Starting from October 1, 2023, Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) is now accepting limited applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
To be eligible to apply as of October 1, 2023, households must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have a member who is 60 years old or older.
- Have a member who is disabled.
- Possess a written disconnection notice.
- Have their heating or electricity source currently disconnected.
- For all other households, please note that the application period will commence on November 1st.
What Documents Must You Provide When Applying for LIHEAP?
When you are summoned to the interview, to determine if you are eligible to receive LIHEAP assistance, you must have a series of evidentiary documents at hand to support your case. These may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Social security numbers for each member of your household, regardless of age.
- A copy of your most recent heating and electric bill.
- Documentation of gross income for all individuals residing in your home for the past 30 calendar days, the most recent 12 months, or the previous calendar year.
Additionally, the applicant household must not surpass the following income thresholds, that are set at 200% of federal poverty level (household size and annual gross income:
- 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 9 members or more, add $10,280 annually for each individual.
NEICAC offers valuable assistance and resources aimed at enhancing the well-being and livelihoods of individuals and families facing economic challenges. Their Family Services Office, located in Decorah, Northeast Iowa Community Action, operates exclusively on an appointment basis to ensure the best possible service. To arrange an appointment, please visit our official website at www.neicac.org.
For further details and inquiries, you can also engage in a chat session using their official website, www.neicac.org. Alternatively, you may choose to reach out to the central office in Decorah directly by calling (563) 382-9608.