As the chill of winter descends upon Iowa, the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) extends an invitation to our fellow Iowans who may be dealing with financial challenges to ask for utility bills assistance. Don’t wait until the annual winter service moratorium takes effect on November 1st. Act now, safeguard your warmth and comfort. Relief is within your reach through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
In the Hawkeye State, the winter moratorium law acts ensures that utility providers cannot disconnect your home heating services, be it electricity or natural gas, if you find yourself falling behind on payments between November 1st and April 30th, the time window to apply for LIHEAP assistance.
Apply Now for LIHEAP Utility Bills Assistance in Iowa
If your household includes a resident aged 60 or older, someone with a disability, or you are facing a crisis, you are eligible for LIHEAP funds. Reach out to your local community action agency to apply for this program, as well as other available assistance initiatives. Iowa law stands firmly beside those who enroll in the LIHEAP program, protecting them from the threat of electric and gas utility disconnection from November 1st to April 1st.
To stay protected, IUB strongly advises all LIHEAP participants to stay current on their energy bills throughout the winter months. This prudent step will help you avoid accumulating overwhelming debt and the looming specter of service disconnection once the calendar turns to April 1st. After that, the utility providers will be able to disconnect or terminate the service due to unpaid bills. For those encountering difficulties or seeking resolution with their utility providers, rest assured that help is available. You can file a formal complaint by reaching out to the dedicated IUB Customer Service staff at 877-565-4450 or via email at this official address.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in Iowa and Get the Cash to Pay the Bills
To be eligible, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 200% of the 2022 federal poverty guidelines which are listed in the following chart:
Size of Household |
Annual Gross Income * ** |
| 1 | $27,180 |
| 2 | $36,620 |
| 3 | $46,060 |
| 4 | $55,500 |
| 5 | $64,940 |
| 6 | $74,380 |
| 7 | $83,820 |
| 8 | $93,260 |
* For households with more than eight members, add $9,440 annually for each additional member.
** All income will be annualized. Income will be collected for a 30-day period – counting back 30 calendar days from the day before the date of application.
To apply for the LIHEAP, you typically need to demonstrate a low income level, being responsible for your household’s heating or cooling expenses, and being a U.S. citizen or a legal resident. Additionally, you might need to provide documents like income statements, utility bills, and identification to support your application. Meeting these requirements can help ensure you receive the much-needed assistance with your energy bills. To apply, find your closest local community action agency heading to this official website, and clicking your county in the map shown.