(Des Moines, IA) Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) Director John McCalley reminded older Iowans that, with winter weather fast approaching, energy assistance and weatherization help may be available to them through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) and Weatherization Assistance (WAP) programs.

LIHEAP may assist in paying home heating bills, and WAP may help with typical weatherization activities including:

Air sealing to reduce infiltration

Attic Insulation

Sidewall Insulation

Floor Insulation

Pipe and/or Duct Insulation

Limited Energy Related Repairs

Those that apply for LIHEAP are also automatically applying for the WAP program, although they may not get the weatherization services as this program has limited funding.

For households with an older or disabled person, Applications for LIHEAP will be accepted on a first come/first serve basis from October 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010. For all other eligible Iowans, the application deadline runs from November 2, 2009 through April 30, 2010.

To check out eligibility requirements, and to apply for assistance, contact your local community action agency. To find a community action agency in your area, check out the Iowa Department of Human Rights/Division of Community Action Agencies website at: http://www.dcaa.iowa.gov/app_sites/liheap_map.html or contact Jerry McKim, Bureau Chief, Bureau of Energy Assistance, Dept. of Human Rights at: 515/281-0859.

For more information on the Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) go to: http://www.aging.iowa.gov/ . To find out about local resources for older adults and people with disabilities, visit: http://www.lifelonglinks.org/ .

The mission of the Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) is to provide advocacy, educational, and prevention services to help Iowans remain independent as they age. IDA provides over $30 million in services through a network of 13 Area Agencies on Aging across the state.