The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualified low-income families in Iowa meet the cost of home heating by providing a one-time payment to your heating utility. Homeowners and renters are eligible, within the federal poverty guidelines.
In Iowa, the federally funded LIHEAP program is administered by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. You can apply through your local community action agency.
For the 2024-2025 heating season, LIHEAP funding is anticipated to be approximately $52 million. The amount may change based on a final budget passed by Congress.
Use the LIHEAP eligibility tool to see if your household might be eligible for LIHEAP assistance by providing basic information such as income and household size.
Submit a LIHEAP Application
The annual application period runs from November 1 through April 30, with early applications accepted during October for households with at least one resident who is 60 or older or has a disability. To determine eligibility or to apply, contact your local community action agency.
Applications for LIHEAP are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you qualify for either program, your utility company will be notified. You will then be eligible for protection from disconnection of your heating service for nonpayment during Iowa’s annual winter disconnection moratorium, November 1 through April 1. A LIHEAP payment is made directly to your utility or heating fuel vendor, with limited exceptions for applicants whose heating source is included in their rental payments.
Although qualified applicants cannot be disconnected for nonpayment during the moratorium period, LIHEAP-certified customers are encouraged to continue paying toward their energy bills to avoid accumulating high debt and facing potential utility service disconnection once the moratorium period ends.
Apply for Weatherization Assistance
The weatherization assistance program has limited funding that allows experts to install permanent, cost-effective measures to weatherize the building shell and improve heating and cooling systems. The program is funded through the Department of Energy.
A computerized energy audit helps determine the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency upgrades such as adding insulation. Potential indoor air quality and other health and safety issues are also addressed, including checks of all combustion appliances.