Assistance for Federal Employees
Assistance for Federal Employees
January 24, 2019
The Cedar Rapids community supports local employees who are directly impacted by the Federal shutdown. Please contact the organizations below if you are a Federal employee needing additional accommodations during the ongoing government shutdown.
Municipal Utilities
The City of Cedar Rapids always works to meet the needs of residents facing unique and difficult circumstances. Federal employees who seek temporary relief for their municipal utilities bill may contact Water Division Customer Service at 319-286-5900 or watermail@cedar-rapids.org. Those affected may also visit the Water Administration Building at 1111 Shaver Rd NE during regular office hours. The Utilities Department strives to meet the needs of individuals facing bill-paying challenges and can devise custom, equitable payment plans. We ask federal employees to provide proof of federal employment by showing a work badge in order to receive additional accommodations.
Alliant Energy
Contact Alliant Energy at 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268) for assistance options. Federal employees may be eligible for a payment arrangement on their balance or a 30-day extension on their bill. When contacting Alliant, let them know your income has been impacted by the government shutdown. Customers are also advised to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP eligibility requirements allow the applicant to apply using the last 30 days income rather than annual income. Learn more at www.alliantenergy.com.
MidAmerican Energy
Customers who are past due are encouraged to contact MidAmerican Energy at 888-427-5632 to make payment arrangements. Depending on their eligibility, customers have a few options.
- Short term extensions are available to customers who only need a few days. Extensions are available to the next bill due date.
- When a short term extension is not enough time, a payment installment plan can be offered to eligible customers. This option allows customers to pay a portion of their past due balance each month plus their current bill charges.
MidAmerican Energy encourages customers to contact their local community action agency to see if energy assistance is available. MidAmerican Energy has an I CARE program administered by the local community action agencies. MidAmerican encourages donations to the program and matches $.25 to every dollar contributed. These funds are available to assist customers with utility bills. There are income eligibility requirements for this program.
Community Resources
Those in need of further assistance and help connecting with community resources for your specific needs are encouraged to contact United Way 2-1-1. United Way 2-1-1 is a free, confidential information and referral helpline and website serving 42 counties in Iowa.
Contact 2-1-1 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
- Landline: 2-1-1
- Mobile: 319-739-4211
- Toll free: 1-866-469-2211
- Text your zip code to 898211
- Visit 211iowa.org
