Emergency utility assistance may be available.

Do you have a disconnect notice for one of your utilities? Contact your local center right away to see if we can help.

  • Some counties may have additional local funding to assist with utilities that do not qualify for LIHEAP.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

You can apply for LIHEAP between November 1, 2024 and April 30, 2025.

Apply Online at this link – https://liheap-apply.hhs.iowa.gov/s/ – click on where it says Check Eligibility

If you need immediate assistance with utilities, please contact your local center.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been established to help qualifying low-income Iowan homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating costs for the winter heating season. The assistance is based on household income, size, type of fuel and housing. Contact your local neighborhood center for an appointment or more information. You can also apply online starting November 1st.

This program is not designed to pay a household’s total energy costs. The program will provide supplemental assistance based on several factors. Those factors include total household income, household size, dwelling type, and type of heating fuel, among others.

WHEN TO APPLY:

  • Elderly (60 & over) or disabled can call for an appointment beginning on the first business day of October.
  • Appointments for all other households begin the first business day of November.
  • Anyone with a current disconnect notice may apply the first business day of October.
  • Applications will be taken until April 30th.

HOW TO APPLY:

Contact your local center to start your application. OR you can apply online between November 1st and April 30th.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

  • 30 days documentation of ALL household income for all adults in the household (or all annual income documentation such as taxes)
  • Proof of Social Security numbers of all household members (Social Security card, 1099, W-2, USCIS or I94, or other official document with a verified social security number)
  • Most recent heating bill (must match residence address)
  • Most recent electric bill (must match residence address)
  • Birth dates for all household members

WAGE EARNERS:

Please bring copies of your check stubs for the past 30 days period preceding the date of application or a copy of your federal tax return.

FIXED INCOME:

This income may include: Social Security Benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Family Investment Program, Veteran’s Assistance, Unemployment Insurance, child support, and pensions. Bring proof of income for the previous 30 days. If you are submitting a Federal Tax Return, you must provide documentation of ALL income for the entire tax year.

SELF-EMPLOYED/FARMERS:

Please bring a copy of your most recent federal income tax return.

OTHER INCOME:

  • Child support, FIP and utility checks are considered income; please bring documentation to your appointment.
  • Note: Failure to supply the needed documentation will cause a delay in processing your application.
  • Call your local center to schedule an appointment or apply online starting November 1st.

Summer crisis funds may be available to assist with disconnect notices. Contact your local center for details.

Questions about utilities? The Iowa Utility Board may be able to help.