Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation Family Service offices taking applications for energy assistance through LIHEAP

Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) Family Service Offices have begun taking applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as of October 3. Any household that applied for LIHEAP in the 2015-2016 LIHEAP program year can complete their applications online at http://www.neicac.org/energy.html.

The current application period is only for households with individuals age 60 or older, or who are disabled, or who have a written disconnection notice or are currently disconnected from their heating or electricity provider. All other households may apply starting November 1.

Again this year, the household income eligibility has been raised from 150% of federal poverty level to 175%.

This program is funded through the Iowa Department of Human Rights and has been established to help qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay a portion of their primary heating costs. All low-income northeast Iowans are encouraged to apply, including senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. Households burning wood or where heating is included as part of the rent may also be eligible for assistance.

For more information, contact the local NEICAC Family Service Office or call the NEICAC central office in Decorah at 563-382-9608. Allamakee County has two Family Services offices. The office in Waukon is located at 953 Third Avenue NW, behind the West Elementary School, and can be reached at 563-568-4224. The office in Postville is located at 134 West Greene Street, the Upper Explorerland building, and can be reached at 563-864-3363.

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.