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Energy assistance is important to all that
receive it, but more so if someone in your home is elderly, disabled or
a young child under 6 years old. These persons are especially at risk
for life threatening illness or death if their home is too cold in the
winter or too hot in the summer.
You can face safety risks if you are unable to pay your home energy bills.
Some people resort to unsafe methods to keep their homes warm or cool. These
include the use of fireplaces, stoves, improperly vented portable heaters,
barbecue grills, or overloading electrical circuits. These methods are not
only fire hazards, but also create the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
WHAT IS LIHEAP?
LIHEAP is designed to aid qualifying low-income Iowa households (homeowners and
renters) in the payment of a portion of their residential heating costs for the
winter heating season, to encourage regular utility payments, to promote energy
awareness and to encourage reduction of energy usage through energy efficiency, client
education, and weatherization. All clients applying for this program will simultaneously
be making an application for weatherization assistance as required by state law.
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.
Applications are accepted on a first come/first served basis starting October 1, 2011 for individuals
60 years of age or older, or disabled. All other individuals may apply November 1, 2011. You may complete
an application up to and including April 30.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE LIHEAP ASSISTANCE?
Both owner-occupied and renter-occupied households are eligible to apply for Energy Assistance.
Households with incomes at or below 150% of the federal poverty income guidelines may be eligible
for assistance under LIHEAP. The LIHEAP program in your community determines if your household's income
qualifies for the program. Qualifying households may also receive financial assistance
through the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) to repair or replace furnaces.
The LIHEAP program may also require households to meet additional eligibility criteria to receive LIHEAP
assistance.*
*NOTE: The availability of LIHEAP assistance is not guaranteed. All payments are contingent
upon the availability of federal funds.
Payments will be made on a first-come, first served basis.
WHAT ASSISTANCE DOES LIHEAP PROVIDE?
Your LIHEAP program may be able to offer you one or more of the following
types of assistance:
Bill payment assistance.
Energy crisis assistance.
Weatherization and energy-related home repairs.
WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO APPLY? YOU MAY NEED THE FOLLOWING:
~ Recent copies of your utility bills (heating, electric and telephone bill)
~ A recent payroll stubs or other proof that shows your past 90 day gross income
~ Documentation showing income from Social Security, Unemployment Insurance,
Pension Funds, disability, etc
~ Social Security cards for all persons living in your household (required)
~ Final Utility Termination Notice (if you've received a shut-off notice
from your energy company)
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE NEICAC FAMILY SERVICES OFFICE IN YOUR COUNTY.
If you are 60 years of age or older OR disabled, you can apply starting October 1, 2011.
All other households can apply starting November 1, 2011
LIHEAP Application for heating season 2011 - 2012
LIHEAP Application Instructions for heating season 2011 - 2012
Click here for an Energy Program brochure.
Help your neighbor
Each year, low income families in our seven county area struggle to pay their energy bills. As the cost
of energy rises, the need for emergency assistance also rises. You can help your neighbor through a crisis by making
a one time or monthly donation to Black Hills Energy Corporation, Alliant Energy or MidAmerican Energy. The application process is simple. Just
click on the appropriate link below and complete the application process. Your donation will stay within your area to help your
friend, family member or neighbor in need.
Black Hills Energy
Alliant Energy
MidAmerican Energy
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