Low-Income Senior Citizens Can Apply for Help With Winter Heating Bills

Applications for help with paying winter heating costs can be filed with West Des Moines Human Services starting Monday for senior citizens or households with a disabled member.

All other applicants can apply for assistance starting Nov. 1, according to a news release from the Human Services office. Applications for aid are accepted through April 30.

The program will not pay all of a household's utility bills, but is designed to supplement household income.

The office is located at 318 Fifth St. in West Des Moines. Heating aid assistance applications may be filed betwen 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, the news release said, plus 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays after Nov. 19.

Human services officials encourage residents to schedule an appointment in advance by calling 222- 3660; however the office will accept walk-in applicants during application hours.

If you  cannot make it during the regular application hours because of work or a documented medical reason, appointments may be considered for later afternoon hours or you can request to have an application mailed to you.

To apply, bring the following documents with you:

• Proof of identification in the form of a social security cards for all household members if applying for the first time.
• Proof of all household members’ gross income for the past 13 weeks or for the past calendar year (a copy of your 2011 federal income tax return).
• If renting, your landlord’s name, address and telephone number.
• Copies of your most recent heating/electric bill.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is based on household income, household size, type of fuel, and other factors. Eligibility for participation is established according to federal income guidelines. A single-person household's annual income can't exceed $16,755, a family of four can qualify if the maximum income is below $34,575, and a family of six can qualify if their annual income is below $46,455.

For households with more than six members, add $1,485 / $5,940 for each additional member.

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

For more information contact West Des Moines Human Services at 222-3660.