CEDAR RAPIDS – Alliant Energy is reminding customers that Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) agencies are now accepting applications for the upcoming heating season. The program provides dollars to moderate and low-income level households to help pay a portion of their winter heating bills.
“Customers can apply for help before they get behind on their utility bill so it gives them more confidence as the winter continues,” said Tim Heinrich, director of customer support services, Alliant Energy. “We encourage customers to check their eligibility now and apply as soon as possible.”
LIHEAP payments depend upon household size, income level, and home energy costs. The program helps households with incomes meeting eligibly guidelines. For example, in Iowa, a family of four that earns $35,325 annually or less, or a two-person family that earns $23,265 annually or less, may qualify for energy assistance dollars.
To obtain energy assistance, qualified Iowa residents can apply at their local county energy assistance agency through April 30, 2014. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible by calling
1-866-674-6327 to locate the nearest county agency that provides energy assistance funds or by visiting dcaa.iowa.gov. Customers may be eligible whether they own or rent their home.
Applicants must bring these items to the agencies to determine eligibility:
- Social Security numbers for all household members (documentation required)
- Proof of income for household members 19 years or older; most recent 3 months’ check stubs; awarded letter from Social Security; or 2011 tax return.
- Recent heat bill
- Recent electric bill
- Recent telephone bill
The Bureau of Energy Assistance administers the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Services may include:
• Payment of energy bills
• Help with utility disconnection
• Education on efficient and safe use of home heating energy
• Repair or replacement of homeowners’ malfunctioning heating systems
3 thoughts on “Alliant Energy urges qualified Iowa customers to apply for energy assistance”
Look around this town. Whole lot of people gonna be needin’ free heat, to go with the donut tires on their cars and the food stamp credit cards in their pockets. But we got sculptures and fake green grass downtown.
Why is it that Social Security does not count on taxable income up to $23,000 but counts as income on this?
I bet they do.