What is Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)?

The Energy Assistance program is available to assist with the partial payment of heating costs for qualified applicants. You may be able to get help paying for part of your winter heating costs if you meet income guidelines.  Sieda Community Action will help you apply for benefits through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Until you apply, we cannot tell you how much assistance you will receive, assistance levels depend on income level, family size, the type of fuel you use to heat your home, and other factors. If you are determined eligible for benefits through the LIHEAP program, you will also be prevented from disconnection from your heating and electrical service through April 1st of each year. If you heat your home with liquid propane (LP), you can qualify to receive propane delivery through this program.

The 2023-2024 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

The Elderly (60+) and Disabled can start applying the 1st business day in October (October 2).

Everyone else can start applying on November 1.

ONLINE applying for everyone opens November 1.

How to Apply

Call your local Resource Center or stop in during normal business hours. For special arrangements or to request a home visit, please use the Contact Us form at the bottom of the page.

Apply Online: You may be able to complete your application online during the application season.

Applicants will need to bring written proof of the household’s gross income for the last 30 days or last year’s Federal Taxes, recent gas bill, recent electric bill, and Social Security cards for all household members. Check out this list of documents you’ll need for both face-to-face and online applications.

LIHEAP Online Application

The regular LIHEAP application period begins November 1 and ends April 30. Clients may apply online beginning in November. Some additional documentation may be required for eligibility verification.

Required Documents for LIHEAP

Having all the correct paperwork will make your application easier. We hope this list answers the questions most people have about what to bring. If you have a different income, or still have questions after reading the list, please contact us.

  • Proof of Social Security Numbers for all household members
    • Bring Social Security Cards for everyone living in your home. If someone does not have a card, contact the office you will visit to find out what to do. Adults can use a valid Iowa Drivers License instead of a Social Security Card.
  • Most Recent Heating Bill
  • Most Recent Electric Bill
  • Proof of Income for All Household Members
    • You may provide income from the past 30 days prior to the application, or for the past year, whatever is easier or more beneficial for you. Having the correct documents when you visit one of our offices or apply online will make applying easier.

Utility Bill Crisis Assistance is available all year.

Call or visit the Resource Center in your county.

What does LIHEAP involve?

Energy Assistance Payments

The payment amount is based on the family income, the number of individuals in the family, type of housing, and type of heating fuel used.

Emergency Crisis Intervention Program

Limited crisis funds are available for furnace repair/replacement, emergency payments for deliverable fuels, and emergency payment of past-due bills related to potential disconnections or reconnection of services.

Assessment and Resolution

The development of a personal “Energy Plan”, negotiation with utility companies regarding shutoff notices and payment problems, budget counseling, and resolution of energy-related problems are available

Emergency Home Cooling Program

Limited repair/replacement of air conditioners for the medically needy

Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Availability

Sieda offers the Heating Program (LIHEAP) at our Resource Centers in these counties:

Appanoose      Davis      Jefferson      Keokuk      Mahaska      Van Buren       Wapello

If you live outside our core service area, you will need to apply with one of the other agencies that administer the program.

When the program is open you may apply at any of the  Neighborhood Resource Centers in Sieda’s seven-county core service area. Please visit our Locations page for the days and hours of each center.

When to Apply

Applications are accepted beginning on the first working day of October (October 1) of each year for households with a member over the age of sixty, and households with a disabled member.

For all others, applications are accepted starting on the first working day of November (November 1). The application period ends on the last working day of April of each year.