During difficult times, it can be hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Knowing that help is available can make all the difference.
There are resources available to help you stay on track with your energy bills. Because we know it’s not just about receiving assistance. It’s about having a peace of mind.
Click below for more information.
Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program
The state of Iowa announced the Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program to help renters who are struggling to pay their bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If qualified, you could receive up to 12 months of financial assistance to help pay your utility and rental bills.
The program will start accepting applications in late March. However, you are encouraged to take the eligibility precheck now to determine if you may qualify.
To qualify, you must:
- Rent a home or unit in the state in any Iowa county except for Polk and Linn County. The Polk County and the City of Des Moines program is administered locally. The Linn County program is administered through the Iowa Finance Authority.
- Demonstrate that at least one member of the household qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a significant reduction in income, incurred major costs or experienced other financial struggles due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Be at risk of being evicted or demonstrate severe rent burden (defined as rental payments that exceed 50% of household income).
- Earn a household income at or below 80% of the county median income.
Learn more and take the eligibility precheck today.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Crisis Funding
If you meet the income guidelines, you can get financial assistance toward your heating costs with the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Application deadlines, income requirements and available funding have changed due to the recent COVID-19 crisis. They are now reviewing income guidelines as a forward-looking month (If you didn’t qualify last month because of your income, but have just lost your job, you may now qualify by using your next month’s projected income.)
Crisis funds are also available to help pay energy bills for households who meet income guidelines and can demonstrate financial hardship. You can still apply for these funds even if you have already received LIHEAP funding.
All LIHEAP and Crisis funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Qualifications and requirements may change.
Click here to find the latest LIHEAP and Crisis Funding information including updated guidelines, application deadlines and more.
Hometown Care Energy Fund
The Hometown Care Energy Fund is supported by Alliant Energy customers, employees, retirees and shareowners. The dollars collected are allocated to community-based nonprofit organizations and distributed to income-qualified customers in need.
If qualified, you can use the funds toward heating and cooling costs or improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Call 211 or contact your local community action agency to learn more.
Options to help manage your bill
- Pay with a credit card: Easily pay your bill with a credit or debit card
- Set up a recurring payment: Choose a fixed amount to be automatically withdrawn from your preferred payment method weekly or monthly
- Request a payment extension: Extend your current bill due date up to 30 days
- Set up a payment arrangement: Pay your past-due bill over an extended period of time
Learn more about payment arrangements and payment extensions.
Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The state of Wisconsin announced the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program to help renters who are struggling to pay their bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If qualified, you could receive up to 12 months of financial assistance to help pay your utility and rental bills.
Your household may qualify if you:
- Rent a home or unit in the state of Wisconsin.
- Can demonstrate that at least one member of your household either qualifies for unemployment or has significantly reduced income or incurred significant costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Are at risk for eviction or experiencing homelessness.
- Earn a household income at or below 80% of the county median income. View median income by county.
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) and Crisis Funding
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program combines two programs to help income-qualified customers in need.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): If you meet the income guidelines, you can get financial assistance toward your heating costs with the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Income requirements and available funding have changed due to the recent COVID-19 crisis.
- Eligibility is now based on the household’s previous month of income
- Notary signature requirements has been waived.
Crisis funds are also available to help pay energy bills for households who meet income guidelines and can demonstrate financial hardship. You can still apply for these funds even if you have already received LIHEAP funding.
Public Benefits: You can get financial assistance toward your heating and cooling costs as well as non-heating electric consumption through Wisconsin’s Public Benefits (PB) program.
PB includes fees collected through electric utilities and are awarded to income-qualified customers in need.
If you are approved to receive LIHEAP funding, you will automatically qualify for the Public Benefits assistance.
Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Qualifications and requirements may change.
Find the latest WHEAP and crisis information including income guidelines, application deadlines and more.
It’s easier than ever to apply. Apply online for energy assistance.
Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund
Customers who are experiencing a financial burden may also qualify for additional financial assistance through the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund (KWW/CF). If you do not meet the income requirements for LIHEAP, you may still qualify for KWW/CF.
Find income guidelines, how to apply, and more. You can also call 211 or apply online at esi.help if you live in these counties..pdf
Options to help manage your bill
- Pay with a credit card: Easily pay your bill with a credit or debit card.
- Set up a recurring payment: Choose a fixed amount to be automatically withdrawn from your preferred payment method weekly or monthly.
- Request a payment extension: Extend your current bill due date up to 30 days.
- Set up a payment arrangement: Pay your past-due bill over an extended period of time.
Learn more about payment arrangements and payment extensions.