MID-IOWA COMMUNITY ACTION Helping People. Changing Lives. Building Communities. Home COVID19 About Services Staff Portal Jobs at MICA Contact LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) LIHEAP helps low-income families and individuals pay their heating bills through energy assistance grants. The grant results in a one-time payment for an eligible household's heating costs. This payment is designed to provide supplemental assistance based on several factors, including household income, household size, dwelling type, and type of heating. LIHEAP is not designed to pay for an entire winter's heating costs, but instead is set up to provide low-income families with an opportunity to prioritize their spending over the winter months. LIHEAP generally runs from October through April for the elderly and disabled. For other families and individuals, the program starts in November and continues through April. LIHEAP can also provide a moratorium for the winter season so that your energy won't be cut off during a potentially dangerous time of the year. MICA's goal is to work with you to help you address barriers to success such as unemployment, underemployment, lack of adequate childcare, and other factors, so that you can keep your energy bills current in the future. Do you qualify for LIHEAP? To qualify for MICA's LIHEAP program, you must: Reside in Hardin, Marshall, Poweshiek, Tama or Story counties Meet income guidelines Pay a vendor (such as a utility company) directly for your primary heating source How do I apply for LIHEAP? PLEASE NOTE: We have a limited number of in-person appointments. You can apply, online, over the phone, or pick up an application packet at our center. More information can be found here. IF YOU HAVE A DISCONNECT NOTICE: Please do not apply online. Call the MICA family development office in your county for assistance. You can apply for LIHEAP starting October 1 if your household includes someone over 60 or someone with a disability. All other households that qualify can apply starting November 1, and applications are accepted until April 30. The LIHEAP application period is closed but will resume in October. MICA serves families in Hardin, Marshall, Tama, Poweshiek, and Story counties. Having your most recent heating and electric bills, and social security cards and proof of income for all household members will make your application easier. After you submit your application, it will be reviewed and you will be notified of decision within 30 days. Questions? Email our staff directly at energy.assistance@micaonline.org. Download an application packet Apply online Mid-Iowa Community Action, Inc. mail: 1001 S. 18th Ave, Marshalltown, IA 50158 email: info@micaonline.org call: 641-752-7162 fax: 641-752-9724 © 2020 by Mid-Iowa Community Action, Inc.