The 2026-2027 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been established to help qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating costs for the winter heating season. The assistance is based on household income, household size, type of fuel and type of housing.
Besides meeting the income guidelines, you must furnish the Social Security numbers of all household members and a copy of recent heating and electric bills. You also must show proof of income for all household members age 18 and older. Additional countable income and/or income verification not listed above may be required for eligibility determination.
If you’re a wage earner, you should bring copies of your check stubs for the 30-day period before the date of application or a copy of your federal income tax return. If you’re self-employed or a farmer, provide a copy of your most recent federal income tax return. And if you’re on a fixed income – Social Security Benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Veteran’s Assistance, Unemployment Insurance and pensions – take copies of check stubs from the last 30 days.
In Iowa, applications for the program will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis from Nov. 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027. The start date is Oct. 1, 2026, for elderly (60 and over) and/or disabled applicants.
If you’re not sure where to apply, visit hhs.iowa.gov/programs/programs-and-services/liheap.
To contact your local community action agency, call 211 or write: LIHEAP, Iowa Department of Health & Human Services, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA 50319.
