Applications open soon for Iowa LIHEAP heating assistance

Iowa residents who need help paying heating costs can soon apply for supplemental assistance.

The 2026-2027 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay part of their primary heating costs. The program offers supplemental assistance and is not designed to pay a household’s total energy costs.

Households with an elderly and/or disabled member can apply between Oct. 1, 2026 and April 30, 2027. All other eligible households can apply between Nov. 1, 2026 and April 30, 2027.

Eligibility is established according to these federal income guidelines:

Households with more than eight members should add $11,360 for each additional household member. All income will be collected for a 30-day period and figured into an equivalent 12 month annual rate.

Applicants should have these items ready when applying:

• Some form of identification
• A copy of the most recent heating bill
• A copy of the most recent electric bill
• Proof of gross income for all household members

Income documentation may include income from the past 30 calendar days, the most recent 12 months, the most recently filed federal income tax return or the past calendar year.

Applications may be submitted online, in person, over the phone or by mail. Contact Community Action of Eastern Iowa at 563-324-3236 or 866-324-3236 for help with applying or information on application locations. LIHEAP assistance is determined based on several factors, including total household income, household size, dwelling type, and type of heating fuel, among others.

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