Low-Income Families Can Save On Utilities With Application For Energy Assistance

DES MOINES, IA. -- The seasonal change to colder weather means gas and electric bills are about to start climbing. Iowa offers a program to aid low-income residents in managing those bills with a one-time payment to your energy provider. Applications are taken each fall.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program year will accept applications beginning Monday from households with an elderly or disabled resident. All other low-income households may apply beginning Nov. 1. Applications will be taken through April 30.

The LIHEAP program pays only a portion of qualifying low-income residents' primary heating costs. Assistance is available on a first come, first served basis. First-time applicants must apply in person.

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Applications should be made at an area community action agency. Polk County has two

IMPACT Community Action Partnership locations in Des Moines and both are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit the south-side office at 500 Army Post Road or call that site at 515-274-9496 for information. The west-side (Drake site office) location is 3226 University Ave.; call 515-518-4770.

LIHEAP assistance is based on household income, household size, type of fuel and other factors. Eligibility for participation is established according to federal income guidelines.

Applicants must show proof of identification in the form of Social Security cards for all household members when applying and a photo ID is required for each adult in the household, along with proof of all household members’ gross income for the past 30 days or for the past calendar year (a copy of your 2016 federal income tax return). Renters must provide the landlord’s name, address and telephone number. A copy of the most recent heating/electric bill also is needed.

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