SIOUX CITY, Iowa (Iowa Media Wire) — More than 3,000 households have already applied for the Low–Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and there is still time to apply.
Funded by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, the program helps Iowans to pay a part of their heating costs.
One of the biggest changes to the program this year is that child support and family members under 18 do not count toward your household income.
“We’re not treating all income the same way we did before which will result in more families, even more families than the 3,000, qualifying for assistance so I think it’s important that if you think you’re within that range,” said Jean Logan, the executive director of Community Action Agency of Siouxland. “The income guidelines are on our website, you can also apply online on our website and we would encourage you to do that.”
Community Action Agency of Siouxland said that assistance is based on several factors, including total household income, household size, dwelling type, heating fuel type, among others. Below are the federal income guidelines to participate.
| Household Size | Annual Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $29,160 |
| 2 | $39,440 |
| 3 | $49,720 |
| 4 | $60,000 |
| 5 | $70,280 |
| 6 | $80,560 |
| 7 | $90,840 |
| 8 | $101,120 |
| * | +$10,280 |
For more information or to apply for LIHEAP, click here. You can also set up an in-person or over-the-phone appointment by calling 712-274-1610. Some items need to apply include a form of identification, a copy of the most recent heating bill and proof of all household members’ gross income either for the past 30 days or the past calendar year.
Applications are open through April 30.