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The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program designed to assist qualifying low-income Iowa households in the payment of a portion of their residential heating costs for the winter heating season, to encourage regular utility payments, to promote energy awareness, and to encourage reduction of energy usage through energy efficiency, client education, and weatherization.
Back to topEligibility
Owner-occupied and renter-occupied households are eligible to apply and must meet both financial and non-financial criteria to be program-eligible. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting October 1 for households with members at least 60 years of age or disabled. All other households may apply beginning November 1. Applications are accepted through April 30.
You may be eligible if:
- Your household income is 200% or below the Office of Management and Budget’s federal poverty guidelines
- Your household has an energy burden
- You can verify citizenship status for all household members
Income Guidelines
The total household income for an applicant must be at or below 200% of the 2025 federal poverty guidelines. These guidelines are for October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026.
| Household Size | Annual Gross Income * ** |
|---|---|
| 1 | $31,300 |
| 2 | $42,300 |
| 3 | $53,300 |
| 4 | $64,300 |
| 5 | $75,300 |
| 6 | $86,300 |
| 7 | $97,300 |
| 8 | $108,300 |
* For households with more than eight members, add $11,000 annually for each additional member.
** All income will be annualized. Income will be collected for a 30-day period – counting back 30 calendar days from the day before the date of application, the most recent calendar year, or the most recent 12-month period.
Back to topHow to Apply
Visit your local community action outreach office to apply for this and other programs. Individuals may apply for the program at the local Community Action Agency in their county.
If you are unable to find your county on the Community Action Agencies Intake List, please call the Community Action Agencies Unit at 515-776-8871.
This program is not designed to pay a household’s total energy costs. The program will provide supplemental assistance based on several factors. Those factors include total household income, household size, dwelling type, and type of heating fuel, among others.
Back to topLIHEAP FY26 State Plan
The Public Comment period ends on Friday, August 15th, 2025.
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