LIHEAP Illinois

LIHEAP in Illinois

Illinois is known for extremely cold winters and blazing summers. During times of extreme heat or cold it can be difficult to control heating and cooling costs. LIHEAP in Illinois supports low-income families by providing monetary assistance for heating and cooling costs. Assistance is paid directly to utility companies that provide electric and natural gas used as the primary heating or cooling source in the home. Working directly with the utility companies is essential to making LIHEAP work. Utility companies accepting LIHEAP funding include:

• Ameren
• Atmos Energy
• ComEd
• Illinois Power
• Mid-American Energy
• Nicor Gas
• North Shores Gas
• Peoples Energy
• Springfield City Water Light & Power
• Wayne-White Counties Electric Cooperative

Residents who apply for LIHEAP may also qualify for utility company programs to reduce heating and cooling costs. Some of the programs available from Illinois utility companies include Percentage of Income Payment Plan, Hardship Assistance for Residential Customers and Good Samaritan Initiative.

Illinois LIHEAP Assistance

LIHEAP in Illinois receives more than $130 million in funding each year. Funding is provided to heating and cooling support, as well as crisis support for families and individuals facing disconnection of services used for heating and cooling. More than 530,000 households received funds from LIHEAP in 2011. The minimum benefit awarded is $110 and the maximum benefit is $1,905. The average benefit credited to your utility account is $450.

LIHEAP Application & How to Apply

Applications for LIHEAP are available from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. There is a brochure available for residents wishing to learn more about LIHEAP and how to apply. Applications are accepted by local Community Action Agencies. These agencies are available throughout Illinois.

When applying for Illinois LIHEAP, you’ll need to meet the federal poverty guidelines established for the state. In 2012, residents must earn at or below 150% of the federal poverty level – adjusted for family size.

LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?

Eligibility for LIHEAP is determined by income and family size. You must bring proof of income and family size when submitting your application. You may also be asked for a recent energy bill. Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive notification by mail if you are accepted into LIHEAP. During the waiting period you are responsible for all utility bills. If there is a crisis situation and you are facing disconnection during peak months – summer and winter – contact the Department of Commerce at 1-877-411-9276 for more information on a crisis application. Crisis applications are accepted between October 1 and March 30. Heating applications are accepted between November 1 and March 30, but seniors and disabled residents are allowed to start applying in September.

If your family has more than eight members, add $5,730 for each additional family member.