Winter's chill held at bay for some low income families

Average grant sizes are up $160 for families qualifying for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) this winter.

Iowa received about $77 million in federal money for the program and average grants this heating season will be $550.

"It's almost double from last year," said Sue Reed, Mid-Sioux Opportunity's out reach coordinator for Plymouth County.

Last year approximately 615 Plymouth County families were approved for assistance through LIHEAP and received an average of $390 per household.

Reed expects to receive a similar amount of applications this year based on the flow of people already applying.

People can apply now through April 15 for LIHEAP.

Residents who are approved for LIHEAP assistance fall under Iowa's Winter Disconnection Moratorium and cannot have a utility disconnected for failure to pay between Nov. 1 and April 1, 2009.

Other customers may be disconnected for failure to pay utility bills due this period. That's why Reed encourages anyone who thinks they may be eligible to fill out an application.

"If you think you might be pretty close, come in and we'll see what we can do," Reed said.

She also encourages people to make utility bill payments during this time so they won't have to come up with a large sum when LIHEAP ends April 1.

LIHEAP works like this: it pays a portion of the energy bills in a lump sum to a heating vendor, and that credit is used to pay monthly bills.

The nationwide, federal program provides assistance based on a point system. For example, points are accrued based on what kind of fuel is used, how many people live in the household and income levels.

The amount per point has also increased from $29 last year to $50 this winter, Reed said.

"With the economy, if people do come in and are approved, it frees up money that can be used elsewhere," Reed said.

Applicants need to bring 13 weeks of documented income from the date they apply back or a 2007 tax return, a heat bill and an electric bill. For those on fixed incomes, like Social Security, they must also document that income.

In addition to LIHEAP utility customers can apply for and receive Home Weatherization Program assistance.

Home Weatherization Assistance provides long-term financial relief to households by improving energy efficiency to reduce the amount of energy their homes use while helping ensure health and safety.

A household is eligible for this energy efficiency program if a member of the household is LIHEAP certified, receives Supplemental Security Income or participates in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

Homes in this program usually receive needed insulation upgrades, a safety check with repair or replacement of heating systems or water heaters, installation of carbon monoxide or smoke detectors and energy efficient lighting, and a safety check for all combustion appliances, according to a press release from the Iowa Utilities Board.