New Iowa heating assistance dollars expected at the end of the month
Iowans can still apply for this year’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, as the state works to release a fresh round of funding following the end of the government shutdown.
Jean Logan with the Community Action Agency of Siouxland says delays were expected once the shutdown wrapped up, especially with payments to utility vendors. “We expected there would be delays in making payments to the vendors, that’s the case,” Logan says. “We should have money out by the end of December, everything takes time.”
People who are approved for LIHEAP also receive protection under Iowa’s winter shut-off moratorium, meaning utility companies can’t disconnect their service for unpaid heating bills during the cold months. Still, Logan stresses that LIHEAP is meant to help — not cover everything.
“LIHEAP, or energy assistance is really intended to pay partially what you would need for your utility payments over the winter months,” she says. “And while it’s nice to have the moratorium, we do encourage people to go ahead and make regular payments.”
Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on several factors, including income, household size, and other household circumstances. Applications are handled through local community action agencies across the state. Logan recommends checking whether your local office offers online sign-up, since that option is often faster and more convenient.
