Energy Assistance Programs Available
by: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income people pay for winter heating costs. The amount of money a person can get depends on household income and size, fuel used, and the type of housing. LIHEAP is not intended to take care of the whole bill. It helps cover costs where the need is greatest.
To be eligible, the gross annual income must be less than the amount below for your household size. You must provide proof of income for the prior 13 weeks.
SIZE OF HOUSEHOLD
HOUSEHOLD INCOME
1
$15,315
2
$20,535
3
$25,755
4
$30,975
5
$36,195
6
$41,415
For family units with more than six members, add $5,220 for each additional member.
Applications for energy assistance for people 60 and over, or for people with disabilities are accepted beginning October 1, 2007. All other applications will be accepted beginning November 1, 2007. All applications must be received by April 15, 2008, and will be accepted on a first come/first served basis. Apply early at your local Community Action Agency as federal funds for this program are limited. In most cases, benefits will be in the form of a credit applied to your heating bill by your utility company. Applications for energy assistance must be approved or denied within 30 days.
LIHEAP also provides additional temporary assistance to those faced with a crisis situation which poses an immediate threat to life or health. Crisis assistance payments may be received for the repair or replacement of a furnace up to a maximum of $2,000 per household, or for the purchase of heaters, blankets or temporary shelter up to a maximum of $200 per household from October 1 through April 15. Households can also receive assistance with the emergency delivery of propane up to an amount of $300. Applications for crisis assistance must be processed within 48 hours.
If assistance for either energy or crisis assistance has been wrongly denied or incorrectly determined, you must file a written appeal with the local agency within thirty days from the date of the decision. In you have additional questions regarding the information above, you can call the Bureau of Energy Assistance at (515) 281-0859 or the Legal Hotline for Older Iowans at 1-800-992-8161.
This information is provided by the Legal Hotline for Older Iowans, a project of Iowa Legal Aid that is partially funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging. The Hotline is a free, confidential service for all Iowans 60 or older with questions about non-criminal legal matters.
Last Reviewed On: 12/27/07
READ THIS BEFORE USING ANY PART OF THE IOWA LEGAL AID WEBSITE (ILAW) If you cannot afford a lawyer and have a legal problem in Iowa, you may be able to get free legal help. Call Iowa Legal Aid. To find out which office serves your county, call 1-800-532-1275 or 515-243-2151 in the Des Moines calling area. If you are age 60 or over, you may be able to get free legal advice from The Legal Hotline for Older Iowans at 1-800-992-8161 or 282-8161 in Des Moines. All numbers are Voice and TTY.
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