Help with heating bills: low-income assistance available

Low-income families can apply for heating assistance programs

DES MOINES, Iowa - (October 29, 2024) - As temperatures go down during fall and winter, furnaces and heaters work harder and use more energy to help keep us warm and comfortable.

MidAmerican Energy reminds customers who struggle with wintertime heating bills that there may be financial help available. State agencies that administer home heating assistance through the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, now - or soon will - accept applications for energy assistance. "Some of our customers trying hard to make ends meet don't know about the LIHEAP program, so we want to make sure people know that this home heating help might be available to them," Mike Gehringer, vice president of customer operations for MidAmerican Energy, said. "LIHEAP funds can really make a difference for those who qualify, but first, you have to apply through your local state agency." MidAmerican customers who have received a disconnection notice are encouraged to call the company at 888-427-5632 to discuss possible payment options. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides LIHEAP funding to states, which administer their own programs.

State energy assistance programs

• Illinois LIHEAP
  To be eligible for LIHEAP in Illinois, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 200% of 2024 federal poverty guidelines. For example, a single-person household is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $30,120, and a family of four is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $62,400.
  
  The program began taking applications on October 1 for people 60 and older, disabled people and families with children five years old or under. On November 1st, households that have been disconnected or have received a disconnection notice can start applying for LIHEAP assistance. All other income-eligible households can start applying on December 1st. The program will accept applications through August 15, 2025, or until funding is exhausted. Customers who are eligible for assistance are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
  
  To apply, Illinois residents in Rock Island, Mercer and Henry counties should contact Project NOW, Inc. at projectnow.org or 309-793-6391. Residents can also call the state's LIHEAP hotline at 833-711-0374.
  
• Iowa LIHEAP
  Community action agencies in Iowa review applications and administer energy assistance funds. Household income and size, type of primary heating fuel, housing type and other factors are considered.
  
  To be eligible for LIHEAP in Iowa, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 200% of 2023 federal poverty guidelines. For example, a single-person household is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $30,120. A family of four is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $62,400.
  
  The program began taking applications October 1st for those 60 or older, disabled or in crisis, and will accept all other applications beginning November 1st. The program accepts applications through April 30, 2025.
  
  Eligible customers who need help with energy bills should apply for LIHEAP at a local community action outreach office.
  
  The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has additional information about the program. Eligibility requirements information is also available by dialing 211.
  
• Nebraska LIHEAP
  The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services administers the state's LIHEAP assistance.
  
  To be eligible for LIHEAP in Nebraska, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. For example, a single-person household can qualify with an annual gross income at or below $22,590, and a family of four can qualify with an annual gross income at or below $46,800.
  
  Nebraska customers can apply for assistance now through March 31, 2025, for the 2024-2025 heating season. LIHEAP application forms are available through the ACCESSNebraska website, by phone at 800-383-4278 or at DHHS public assistance offices.
  
• South Dakota LIEAP
  South Dakota's Department of Social Services distributes Low Income Energy Assistance Program funds on a first-come, first-served basis through March 31, 2025. Eligibility for South Dakota's LIEAP is based on the number of people in the home, household income, heating source type and location. For example, a single-person household can qualify with a maximum three-month income of $7,530 or less and a four-person household can qualify with a maximum three-month income of $15,858 or less.
  
  South Dakota LIEAP application forms are available at the South Dakota Department of Social Services website, by phone at 800-233-8503 or at local DSS offices.

Customer donations fund I CARE, together with a 25% match from MidAmerican. Tax-deductible donations to the I CARE program stay within the local community and go directly to help those in need. MidAmerican customers can donate to the I CARE program by noting the donation amount on their monthly bill or pledging online.