The Iowa LIHEAP program is a federally sponsored program that supplements the heating and utility budget of low income households in the state. This program aims to ensure that no household in Iowa lacks basic heating amenities especially in the cold winter season. This is achieved through the provision of one-time payments that are deposited in the household’s utility accounts. Since inception the program has been able to reach out to thousands of Iowa households and save them from cold shivery nights spent without heat in the house.

In order to qualify for the program, applicants to the program need to meet a specified set of eligibility requirements. These eligibility requirements are mainly based on the income, resources and emergency status of the applicants. Individuals already participating in other social service programs such as TANF, SSI and SNAP automatically qualify for the program. However it should be noted that admissions to the program are granted on a first come, first serve basis.

If you meet the basic eligibility requirements, you should go ahead and apply for the program. Applying for this program is a fairly easy process that can be done in two steps. First you need to setup an appointment with a program representative and then provide your important verification documents to this representative during the meeting. This program representative will determine on the spot whether you are eligible or not eligible for the program.

Upon successful completion of the application process you will start receiving the benefits of the Iowa LIHEAP program.

Eligibility Requirements

For you to qualify for the Iowa LIHEAP program, you need to meet a set of eligibility requirements. These eligibility requirements. These eligibility requirements are mainly pegged on the income, amount of resources, and eligibility status to other social services of the applicant.

To be eligible for the normal benefits of the Iowa LIHEAP program:

• Applicants need to have an income that is less than or equal to the stated maximum as provided for in Iowa income eligibility guidelines, available on this link: hhs.iowa.gov (Iowa LIHEAP Income eligibility requirements)

• Applicants participating in other social programs such as SNAP, SSI, and TANF are automatically eligible for the Iowa LIHEAP program.

• To be eligible for the Iowa LIHEAP program, applicants must be residents of the state of Iowa and also should be US citizens or registered legal aliens.

These applicants can also qualify for emergency benefits if:

• Their heating system or thermostat heat source is either shut off or scheduled to be shut off

• If their electric or gas heat is shut off or is scheduled to be shut off, and

• They are out of fuel or have than a quarter tank of fuel or less than ten day supply of deliverable heat source such as wood and wood pellets

Household Size	Annual Gross Income *
1	$29,160
2	$39,440
3	$49,720
4	$60,000
5	$70,280
6	$80,560
7	$90,840
8	$101,120

LIHEAP Application Instructions

Applying for the Iowa LIHEAP program is a fairly easy process. All you need to do is to setup an appointment with an Iowa program representative. A program representative can be accessed through your local Division of Community Action Agencies (DCAA). During the interview, the program representative will verify your documents, and accept or reject your application on the pot.

Look for your nearest Community Action Agency here to begin the application process.