The LIHEAP program, funded by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), is open to both homeowners and renters who meet the federal poverty guidelines.

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis from November 1 to April 30 each year.

For households with a member aged 60 or older, individuals with disabilities, and those facing a crisis, the application period begins on October 1.

To apply for this program and others, visit the outreach office.

Additional Services:
Head Start
Holiday Programs
Back to School
Birthday Room
Senior Programs
LIHEAP
LIHWAP
Weatherization
Crisis Energy Programs
Food Pantry

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance program is called LIHEAP. They assist low income people and families with their heating and cooling bills. This program is therefore, a year long program that is available 12 months a year. To qualify for the LIHEAP assistance, you need to qualify. We provide the current Federal Poverty Rates nationwide below.

You are automatically qualified for LIHEAP assistance if you participate in the SNAP food stamps program, TANF Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or the SSI program through Social Security.

Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2024

Persons In Family	Earnings (100% Fed Poverty Guideline)
1	$15,060
2	$20,440
3	$25,820
4	$31,200
5	$36,580
6	$41,960
7	$47,340
8	$52,720

*Alaska and Hawaii have different rates for HUD federal poverty guidelines.
These numbers above represent 100% of the Federal Poverty Rate. In order to get legal aid from some offices, they use a sliding fee scale. When they use a sliding fee scale, the 100% rate can be different than 100%. In those cases, using for example a 200% federal poverty level, you will only need double the 100% number listed above to 200%.

User questions & answers

Have you used the Upper Des Moines Opportunity UDMO Emmetsburg LIHEAP service before? If so, please help our website users by answer these questions below.