Operation Threshold

2011-2012 LIHEAP Application

Operation Threshold will start taking LIHEAP (Energy Assistance) applications for the general population on November 1, 2011.  The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Iowa Department of Human Rights/ Department of Community Action Agencies, and has been established to help qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating costs. LIHEAP is not designed to pay a household’s total energy costs, but to provide supplemental assistance.

Eligibility for participation in LIHEAP is established according to the following federal income guidelines:

INCOME MAXIMUMS

1.             Household                              LIHEAP Three                     LIHEAP Annual      
2.                   Size                                   Month Gross                          Gross Income            
3.                                                             Income                                                           
4.                         1                                    $ 4,084.00                             $ 16,335.00                    
5.                         2                                       5,516.00                                22,065.00                
6.                         3                                       6,949.00                               27,795.00                      
7.                         4                                       8,381.00                               33,525.00                      
8.                         5                                       9,814.00                                39,255.00                      
9.                         6                                     11,246.00                                44,985.00

For households with more than six members, add $1, 433.00 / $5,730.00 for each additional member.

Applicants will need to furnish some form of identification, a copy of their most recent heating and electric bill, and proof of all household members’ gross income for one month, the past three months, or for the past calendar year.  Applicants will also have to provide the Social Security Number card or documentation for EVERY member of the household. 

Households who are over LIHEAP regular income guidelines may be eligible for LIHEAP benefits through our medical waiver component. The medical expenses must be documented, paid, and non-reimbursable. 

LIHEAP applications will be accepted through April 30, 2012.  However, applicants are encouraged to apply earlier as assistance is paid on a first-come, first-served basis.  Households approved for LIHEAP are protected by a moratorium agreement between the utility companies and the State of Iowa.  As a result of this agreement, households approved for LIHEAP cannot have their utilities disconnected during cold weather between November 1, 2011 and April 1, 2012. 

Operation Threshold is located at 1535 Lafayette Street in Waterloo.  Office hours are Monday – Thursday, 8:00 am – 5:30 pm and Friday 8:00 am – Noon. 

Operation Threshold’s offices in Buchanan County, (319) 334-6081, and Grundy County, (319) 824-3460, will also be taking applications at their sites.

For more information, please contact Operation Threshold at (319) 291-2065 or find us online at www.operationthreshold.org.