A federally-funded program that helps households keep their heat on all winter is open to any qualified residence.

Dallas County New Opportunities Coordinator Beth Morman says they are accepting applications for the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) now through April 1st. She says there are income guidelines, which are 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Morman encourages those households that might be in need of getting a lump sum of money to help offset the increased heating costs during the colder months, to schedule an appointment now.

“If you’re going to mail in an application due to like transportation, you can’t get to us, those applications might not get processed for a week or two. So don’t wait until you get that disconnect notice or that shut off notice to contact us. Definitely get to us sooner than that because it might not get done that day because our appointments are our priority. That’s why we also encourage people to call us and make an appointment versus mailing in the application.” 

Morman says LIHEAP approved households are guaranteed to not have their heating disconnected through April 30th. To apply, make sure you have proof of income, Social Security cards for everyone in the household, and a utility billing statement. She adds they also have mobile sites including the Adel Public Library every Thursday, as well as periodic trips to Linden, Menlo and Dallas Center. Contact Morman at 515-465-5185.