As the winter season nears, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to assist qualifying low-income homeowners and renters with meeting the costs of home heating. According to the Iowa Department of Human Rights, applications will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis from Nov. 1, 2019, (Oct. 1 for elderly/disabled) through April 30, 2020. Applicants may apply at their local community action center Monday through Friday or at times posted at the local center's office.

A household may qualify for assistance in this program if the household's annual income falls within the income range listed on the chart. 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 of application, LIHEAP requires proof of household income for the last 30 days and the most recent copy of your heating and electric bill. 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 the qualifying household's heating bill by the utility company. Households residing 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. Don't delay in making your application immediately.

The assistance is based on household income, household size, type of fuel, and type of housing. If you are not sure where to apply, please write to: LIHEAP, Iowa Department of Human Rights, Lucas State Office Building, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319 or visit the Iowa Department of Human Rights website, or call your local community action agency listed.

PROGRAM FACTS

WHEN TO APPLY:

• Elderly (60 & over) and/or disabled:
  October 1, 2019 to April 30, 2020

• All other households:
  November 1, 2019 to April 30, 2020

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO APPLY:

1. Proof of Income
    - For all household members age 19 and over
    - Check stubs from the previous 30 days, award letter from Social Security or 2018 tax return
2. Social Security numbers for all household members (documentation required)
3. Recent heat bill
4. Recent electric bill

WAGE EARNERS: Please bring copies of your check stubs for the 30-day period preceding the date of application or a copy of your federal income tax return.

FIXED INCOME: This income may include: Social Security Benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Family Investment Program, Veteran's Assistance, Unemployment Insurance and pensions. Please bring copies of your check stubs from the previous 30 days.

SELF-EMPLOYED/FARMERS: Please bring a copy of your most recent federal income tax return.

FIP RECIPIENTS: Please bring your current DHS Notice of Decision or contact your local office for acceptable document information.

OTHER INCOME: If you receive alimony or child support, it will also need to be verified.