Financial Assistance

RECare Program

Help your neighbors in need.  Unemployment and unexpected expenses are just some of the many reasons why families fall behind on their energy bills. You can help these families when you contribute to RECare.

RECare is a crisis fund available for low income members to help pay their electric bills and to weatherize their homes. When you give to RECare, your donation goes directly to families in need in our community. All funds are distributed by a local community action agency, there are no administrative costs. Your contributions are also tax deductible.

If you'd like to make a contribution to RECare, fill out our enrollment form by using the link below.  The amount you have pledged will be included with the monthly net amount on your bill. Discontinue your pledge at any time by writing us or contacting our office.

RECare Contribution Enrollment Form

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to assist low-income families with the cost of home heating. Applications are accepted on a first come/first serve basis from Nov. 1, 2007 through Apr. 15, 2008, Monday through Friday, or as posted at the local HACAP office. Check the back of your Linn County REC bill for a listing of HACAP or T.R.A.I.N offices.

ELIGIBILITY - A household may qualify for assistance in this program if the household's income falls within the income range listed below. This program is not designed to pay a household's total energy costs, but to provide assistance in the payment of residential heating costs for eligible households.

At the time you apply at a HACAP or T.R.A.I.N. office, providing you have brought all necessary documentation with you (proof of income for the last 13 weeks and a copy of your heating and electric bills), you will be told whether you are eligible and if so, for what amount you might qualify. This initial determination is subject to review and totally dependent on the availability of federal funds. In most cases, benefits will be in the form of a credit applied to your heating bill by your utility company. Households who reside in subsidized housing that are individually metered and responsible for paying their primary heating costs are eligible. Subsidized households that are master metered are usually not eligible to receive assistance benefits.

Residents of any licensed medical facility (hospital, skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility), publicly operated community residence or emergency shelter are ineligible unless they are paying a vendor directly for their primary heating source.

Proof of Income: Attach documents that offer proof of total household gross income from all sources. HACAP or T.R.A.I.N. offices must have complete proof of income to process your application.

Fixed Income: This income may include: Social Security Benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Aid to Families with Dependent Children or Family Investment Program, Veterans’ Assistance, Unemployment Insurance, pensions. Please bring a copy of your most recent check.

Wage Earners: Attach copies of your check stubs for the three month period preceding the date of application or a copy of your federal income tax return.

Self Employment/Farmers: Bring a copy of your most recent federal income tax return. If you receive interest or dividend income, alimony or child support, it will also need to be verified.

TANF (FIP) and SSI Recipients: Bring in a copy of your Medicaid card.

Linn County Rural Electric Cooperative | PO Box 69 | 5695 REC Drive | Marion, IA 52302-0069 | 319.377.1587 or 800.332.5420

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