For many Illinois households, energy costs place a severe and continuing stress on a family’s budget. In some instances, the household is forced to make painful decisions regarding which bills to pay and which necessities to survive without. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to help eligible low income households pay for winter energy service.
Beginning September 1, 2013 Seniors, People with Disabilities
Beginning October 1, 2013 Households with children under age 5
Beginning November 1, 2013 All other eligible households
PY 2014 Application Schedule
Beginning September 1, 2013 Seniors, People with Disabilities
Beginning October 1, 2013 Households with children under age 5
Beginning November 1, 2013 All other eligible households
Percentage of Income Payment Plan - Available to Customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas or Peoples Gas/North Shore GasLIHEAP clients with the listed utility providers have the option of choosing between the traditional LIHEAP Direct Vendor Payment (DVP) plan or the new Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). Under this program the eligible clients will pay a percentage of their income, receive a monthly benefit towards their utility bill, and lower their overdue bills for every on-time payment they make by the bill due date.
Plan Ahead and Bring Proper Documentation
Do not forget to bring all required documentation at that time including:
Do not forget to bring all required documentation at that time including:
- Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30-day period prior to the application date.
- A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days (if energy directly paid for).
- A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact information.
- Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members.
- Proof that household received TANF or other benefits, such as Medical Eligibility or SNAP, if receiving assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Am I Eligible?
If your household’s combined income for the 30 days prior to application is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level as shown in the chart below, you may be eligible to receive assistance. If you rent, and your heat and/or electric is included in the rent, your rent must be greater than 30% of your income in order to be eligible to receive assistance.
| Family Size | 30 Day Income | Annual Income |
| 1 | $1,436 | $17,235 |
| 2 | $1,939 | $23,265 |
| 3 | $2,441 | $29,295 |
| 4 | $2,944 | $35,325 |
| 5 | $3,446 | $41,355 |
| 6 | $3,949 | $47,385 |
| 7 | $4,451 | $53,415 |
| 8 | $4,954 | $59,445 |
How Do I Apply?
Contact your local Community Action Agency to make an appointment to apply for LIHEAP. Locate the Community Action Agency nearest you.
For the City of Chicago, and Cook County apply thru Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Incorporated
LIHEAP Success Stories
Draft 2014 LIHEAP State Plan and Program Integrity Supplement---NOW AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AND COMMENTS
For additional assistance, please feel free to call the
Energy Assistance Hotline at (877) 411-9276
Energy Assistance Hotline at (877) 411-9276
To report LIHEAP fraud or abuse: DCEO, Office of Energy Assistance, Attn: Fraud Unit, 500 E. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62701
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