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Reviewed October 1, 2026

Iowa Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)

Iowa LIHEAP helps qualifying households with part of winter heating costs. County community action agencies handle applications.

Who can apply

Renters and homeowners can apply. Iowa Community Action’s current 2026 guidance identifies a 200% federal-poverty income ceiling. The county agency checks income, heating burden and the remaining conditions. Use current local screening rather than the expired dollar table still on the state overview.

What help is available

The award supplements heating costs; it is not intended to pay the entire seasonal bill. Household size, income, housing and heating fuel affect the assistance.

Documents to prepare

Ask the local office for its checklist. Prepare household income records and the heating account or fuel bill so the office can identify the household and energy burden.

How to get started

  1. Contact the community action agency serving your county. State guidance lists October 1 intake for households with a member 60 or older or disabled, November 1 for others, and April 30 closing. Confirm the current season with that office.

  2. For Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk and Warren counties, IMPACT lists the 2026–27 season and telephone or in-person appointments at 515-518-4770. Its webpage still labels online intake closed, so confirm availability before using the form. Elsewhere, use your own county agency.

  3. Tell the office about a shutoff notice, disconnection or failed furnace immediately. IMPACT also lists at-risk households for early October intake. Do not assume those local contact arrangements apply statewide.

After applying

Read the award notice and confirm how it reaches the utility or fuel supplier. Keep discussing payment arrangements with the supplier while the application is pending.

Website screenshots

These images show the pages captured in August 2026. Website screens and rules may have changed.

The Iowa Community Action Association homepage with an agency locator.
August 2026 reference screenshot.
The Iowa Administrative Code rule on winter utility disconnection.
August 2026 reference screenshot.

Common questions

Can renters apply?

Yes, subject to program requirements.

Does LIHEAP pay the whole winter bill?

No. It provides supplemental assistance.

Should I use last season’s income table?

No. Confirm the current limits with the county agency.

Where is intake handled?

At the community action agency serving your county.

Sources and review

Application and program details: Iowa LIHEAP overview and local intake.

Historical screenshots and background: USA Assistance. Screenshots may show an earlier application interface.

Current-year income screening: Iowa Community Action’s 2026 guidance. Five-county intake and crisis routes: IMPACT utility assistance.

Historical screenshots: source reference.