Iowa Energy Assistance

In Iowa's 2009-10 winter season, 95,200 out of 441,000 eligible households received energy assistance from the state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Funded by the U.S. government but administered by the Iowa Bureau of Energy Assistance, LIHEAP provides block grants to low-income families in need of home heating assistance.

Funding

• In 2010, Iowa received $75 million in home-heating assistance funding from the federal government, up from $67.8 million in 2009 and $47.9 million in 2008. Iowa's funding is based on the national $5.1 billion LIHEAP budget for the 2010-11 winter season.

Distribution

• Eligible households receive Iowa LIHEAP funding in the form of block grants paid directly to their home heating provider. The grant fund will not pay the entire heating bill, but will assist in a fraction of the costs, based on need. If a household needs immediate funds for home heating, particularly if its home heating source has been turned off or is in danger of being shut off, Iowa's LIHEAP can provide energy crisis intervention in the form of emergency funding. Iowa's LIHEAP is also responsible for educating the public on utility payment, home weatherization and energy efficiency.

Eligibility

• As of the 2010-11 winter season, eligibility for Iowa's LIHEAP is based on family size, and both annual and the three previous months' income. Eligible households must earn no more than 150 percent of the federal poverty level, which varies by family size. For a chart of Iowa's LIHEAP maximum income limits by family size, see Resources.

Application

• If your household is eligible for Iowa's LIHEAP, applications may be submitted from Nov. 1 through April 30 on a first come, first served basis. If a member of your household is elderly or disabled, applications may be turned in Oct. 1. Applications must be obtained and submitted to your local Iowa Community Action Agency (CAA) by mail or in person. Applicants must include each household member's proof of income for the previous 13 weeks, as well as a copy of the home heating bill. For a list of all Iowa CAAs by county, including contact information, see Resources.

Weatherization

• If your household does not meet the income requirements for home heating assistance, you may qualify for weatherization aid. The income limit for weatherization assistance is 200 percent above the federal poverty level, and includes help with sealing and insulating your home, as well as any home heating repair. For a list of the income maximums by family size, see Resources.