Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LiHEAP) begins taking applications October 1st. - updated
Having safe and secure housing is a human need for all people. Low-wage workers and people on fixed incomes often have difficult juggling their winter utility bills with other necessities. The inability to keep a home at a livable temperature may lead to serious illness or injury. Energy Assistance program provides energy crisis and bill payment assistance to elderly, disabled and low-income households.
The federally funded Low-income Heat Energy Assistance Program (LiHEAP) serves as the backbone of HACAP’s Energy Assistance projects by assisting families by paying a portion of their heating bill. Households that have a member over 60 or a disabled family member are eligible to apply for LiHEAP beginning October 1st. All other households may apply starting November 1st. Click here for the LiHEAP Application. Click here for the eligibility guidelines.
Federal funding for the program has been much in the news and at last report, the US Senate Subcommittee provided $3.6 billion for the LIHEAP program nationally and the full Senate approved. This is lower than the FY2011 level of $4.7 billion, but higher than the President’s request of $2.57 billion.
The House just marked up their version of the FY2012 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill and it is over $1.25 billion lest than the Senate bill. It is still too soon to tell what the final LiHEAP appropriation will be for this program year. Last year, the average award was about $300 per household. Give the uncertainty of funding, initial award levels have been cut in half pending final passage of the Fiscal Year 2012 federal budget. Once the final budget is passed, award levels will be adjusted to reflect the funding level.
Make an appointment for LiHEAP in the HACAP service area (Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Linn and Washington Counties), by dialing 2-1-1 or toll free 1-866-469-2211. Iowa County residents should call 2-1-1 or 319-739-0100 for appointment information. You may also contact us at info@hacap.org. (Residents outside HACAP’s 6-county service area should contact their local Community Action Agency for appointment information.)
You may also contact the following HACAP Service Centers directly:
Urban Center
1328 2nd Ave SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
319-739-0100
Waterfront Center
367 Southgate Ave
Iowa City, IA 52240
319-739-0100
Eastdale Plaza
1700 S 1st Ave
Iowa City, IA 52240
319-354-2051
Jones County Center
100 Park Avenue
Anamosa, IA 52205
319-462-4343
Old Main Center
2176 Lexington Blvd
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-7275
North Benton Center
202 E. 4th St
Vinton, IA 52349
319-472-4761