Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is sponsored by Iowa Department of Health & Human Services. Assists low-income Iowa households with heating costs during the winter season to promote energy efficiency and reduce energy usage.

Apply for Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) | Iowa Utilities Commission How Do I Apply for Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)? The federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualified low-income families in Iowa meet the cost of home heating by providing a one-time payment to your heating utility. Homeowners and renters are eligible, within the federal poverty guidelines.

LIHEAP funding amounts are determined by a final budget passed by Congress. In Iowa, the federally funded LIHEAP program is administered by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The annual application period runs from November 1 through April 30, with early applications accepted during October for households with at least one resident who is 60 or older or has a disability.

use the LIHEAP eligibility tool to see if your household is eligible for LIHEAP assistance by providing basic information such as income and household size, apply through the online portal or through your local community action agency, or contact your local community action agency for assistance to apply. If you qualify for LIHEAP, your utility company will be notified.

You will then be eligible for protection from disconnection of your heating service for nonpayment during Iowa’s annual winter disconnection moratorium, November 1 through April 1. A LIHEAP payment is made directly to your utility or heating fuel vendor, with limited exceptions for applicants whose heating source is included in their rental payments.

Although qualified applicants cannot be disconnected for nonpayment during the moratorium period, LIHEAP-certified customers are encouraged to continue paying toward their energy bills to avoid accumulating high debt and facing potential utility service disconnection once the moratorium period ends.

Weatherization assistance The weatherization assistance program has limited funding that allows experts to install permanent, cost-effective measures to weatherize the building shell and improve heating and cooling systems. The program is funded through the Department of Energy. Applicants who receive assistance will have a home visit to determine your home's weather efficiency.

A computerized energy audit helps determine the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency upgrades such as adding insulation or servicing appliances. Potential indoor air quality and other health and safety issues are also addressed, including checks of all combustion appliances. Weatherization applications automatically generate a LIHEAP application.

To apply for weatherization assistance, contact your area community action agency or find your local outreach office. Review these common questions about the weatherization program to learn more.