Illinois 2017 Energy Assistance Programs Available October 1st for Seniors, People with Disabilities

In Illinois, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months). Energy costs can place severe and continuing stress on a family’s budget. In some instances, households are forced to make painful decisions regarding which bills to pay and which necessities to survive without. Illinois residents with a household income that does not exceed an amount determined annually by the Department of Commerce are eligible. Annual eligibility levels are determined based on available funding and may not exceed 150% of the federal nonfarm poverty level.

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) is available for LIHEAP eligible households who are customers of one of the following utilities: Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas and Peoples Gas/North Shore Gas. Under PIPP, eligible households pay a percentage of their income; receive a monthly benefit towards their utility bill and, arrearage reductions for every on-time payment they make, if applicable.

Beginning October 1, 2017	Seniors, People with Disabilities
Beginning November 1, 2017	Households with children under the age of 6 years and disconnected households
Beginning December 1, 2017	All other eligible households

Locations:

Contact your local Community Action Agency to make an appointment to apply for LIHEAP.  You can use the "Where to Apply" link to the right to locate the appropriate Community Action Agency for your county.  You may call 1-877-411-9276.

CLICK HERE to find a Community Action Agency (CAA) serving your area

Income Eligibility:

If your household’s combined income for the 30 days prior to application (gross income, before taxes are deducted) 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	$1,508	$18,090
2	$2,030	$24,360
3	$2,553	$30,630
4	$3,075	$36,900
5	$3,598	$43,170
6	$4,120	$49,440
7	$4,643	$55,710
8	$5,165	$61,980

Bring all appropriate documentation:

Do not forget to bring all required documentation when you apply, including:

• Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
• 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 the household received TANF or other benefits, such as Medical Eligibility or SNAP, if receiving assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services.

For more information on the State of Illinois Energy Assistance program: CLICK HERE

Programs are available in all states, program and requirements do vary state to state, check with your state's human services agency for information.

2017 Disability Community Resource Fair - Forest Park, IL. - Oct. 19th

In The USA, What’s The Rate Of People With Disabilities In Your County and State?

Nationwide, the rate of working-age people on federal disability assistance has increased 23 percent since 2004. At a county level, rural areas have seen the sharpest increases and the highest disability rates.

Explore how disability rates have changed where you live.

A Washington Post article offers a look into the trends in counties and states in the USA.

CLICK HERE

The National Resource Directory Offers Resources Catered To Caregivers

Caregivers impact lives, too, making a difference for their veteran or wounded, injured, or ill spouse or family member.

The National Resource Directory has nearly 250 pages of resources catered to caregivers that can provide assistance. These resources can be national programs or service-specific, ranging from counseling and support groups tofamily recreation, or education programs to employment. Find the resources that will help you.

USA.gov Offers Help To Find Government Services and Information Quickly

USA .gov searches only federal, state, and local government websites for the public. Its search box works like other search engines you're used to, but USA.gov only returns results from government web pages, most ending in .gov or .mil. This helps you be sure you’re getting official information you can trust--and there’s no advertising.

USA.gov is a online guide to government information and services. On the site you can:

• Browse by topic
• Search every U.S. government website
• Directly contact federal government agencies

Search Tips
On your computer, find the search box at the top of every USA.gov page. On your smartphone, find it after touching the MENU button on the screen.

Your initial search will return results from a variety of government websites. You can get more specific results by then selecting “Only USA.gov,” “Images,” or “Videos” at the top of the page on your computer. On your smartphone, touch the three-lined button on the screen.

Directly Contact Federal Government Agencies
If you know the agency you want to get in touch with, use the A to Z Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies. It features contact information and web addresses of hundreds of federal agencies, sub-agencies, and divisions, as well as state government contact information.

Need More Help with Your Search?
Ask an information specialist. Call toll-free 1-844-USA-GOV1 (1-844-872-4681) or web chat weekdays 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM ET, except federal holidays. You can also email anytime using the contact form.

USA.gov YouTube channel also has a catalog of helpful videos.

UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE GUIDE 2016

United Cerebral Palsy has compiled this international resource guide covering organizations providing services worldwide.

There are a myriad of disability, health and human service programs in every state and community however they are not always easy to find. Whether you need healthcare, home modifications, or financial assistance—UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE GUIDE can direct you to the organizations that can help.

For the UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE GUIDE: CLICK HERE