Cold weather is approaching, and for those who suspect they will have a hard time paying their heating bills, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP, is available.

Households with elderly or disabled members can apply for assistance in October, and general applications can be accepted beginning November 1st through April. According to the Iowa Department of Human Rights, the applications are accepted on a first come/first served basis through local community action agencies. There are income guidelines; for example a family of four must be at or below the 175% of the federal poverty guideline which equates to a 30 day gross income of $3,588, or an annual gross income of $43,050. Washington County residents should submit applications to Hawkeye Area Community Action Program at www.hacap.org.