With cold temperatures in the area only likely to get colder, the time is now for Dallas County residents to consider applying for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

People over age 60, as well as those with disabilities, are now eligible to apply for assistance in paying their heating bills. Everyone else will need to wait until after November 1st to enroll. LIHEAP is a federally-funded program designed to aid income-qualified households with their monthly payments. It will not pay a household’s total energy costs. Rather, it will provide supplemental assistance based on several factors, as well as providing a one-time payment during the season. Additionally, households in the program will not have their heat shut off for non-payment from November 1st through April 30th.

To schedule an appointment to see if you’re eligible for LIHEAP, call 515-465-5785. You must bring your identification, a copy of your most recent heating or electric bill, and proof of income for everyone in your household. Additionally, even if you were enrolled last year, you must still apply this year.