The 2021-2022 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program has been established to help qualifying low-income homeowners and renters pay a portion of their primary heating costs for the winter heating season,

Officials said general applications will be taken from Nov. 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022. Households with a member over age 60 or disabled can apply in October.

The program is not designed to pay a household’s total energy costs, officials said. The program will provide supplemental assistance based on several factors, including total household income, household size, dwelling types and the type of heating fuel, among other items.

Those who have already applied and who have been approved for this winter season, cannot reapply.

To set up an appointment in Hamilton County, call the Upper Des Moines Outreach Office at 515-832-6451. Applicants should bring proof of income for all household members age 19 and older. Documentation would include four paycheck stubs if paid weekly, the last two pay stubs if paid every two weeks or bi-monthly, or if paid monthly, the last paycheck stub. Applicants should also bring proof of social security numbers for all household members, the most recent heating bill and most recent electric bill.

For those on fixed incomes, income may include Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security income, Family Investment Program, Veterans Assistance, Unemployment Insurance and pensions. Those applicants should bring stubs from the previous 30 days.

Self-employed persons and farmers should bring the most recent income tax return.

Gross income maximums for applicants are as follows:

One person household, $25,760; two person, $34,840; three, $43,920; four, $53,000; five, $62,080; six, $71,160; seven, $80,240; eight, $89,320.