Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Attention: Updates to LIHEAP Season
The current LIHEAP season will begin on October 1, 2024 for seniors, families with children under 5, disabled or disconnected. Open enrollment begins November 1, 2024.
Please visit liheapillinois.com or call 877.411.9276 for more information.
LIHEAP Guidelines
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides qualifying households with monetary relief for energy bills.
LIHEAP funds do not need to be paid back. Eligibility is based on several factors, including household size and income. Funds are provided in one lump sum from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
To qualify for LIHEAP, a household's combined income for the 30 days prior to application must be at or below a certain level. For renters, heat and/or electric must be included in the rent, and rent must be greater than 30 percent of total income in order to be eligible for benefits.
These figures are based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines published in the US Department of Health and Human Services in the Federal Register. The state reserves the right to adjust these levels based on the availability of federal appropriations.
Low-Income Discount Program
Total Bill Discounts and Waivers of Deposits and Late Payment Fees
The Nicor Gas Low-Income Discount Program offers total bill discounts ranging from 5% to 75% to residential customers with qualifying incomes.
Who’s automatically enrolled and do not need to apply?
Customers receiving LIHEAP, PIPP and Nicor Gas Sharing Program benefits or waivers of deposits and late payment fees.
To learn more and apply for total bill discounts and waivers, if you do not met the above automatic enrollment criteria, visit this online application form, which also is in a format that can be downloaded and submitted by mail, fax or phone.
Learn more: www.nicorgas.com/LIDP
How to Apply
- Step 1: Application
Contact your nearest Community Action Agency to find out if you qualify, what paperwork you need to bring to apply and to arrange an appointment to meet with an agency representative.- Community Action Agencies offices and phone numbers Call 877.411.9276 (WARM).
- TDD for the hearing impaired: 800.785.6055.
- Seniors may contact the Illinois Department on Aging "Senior Hotline" at 800.252.8966 (voice and TDD) for a referral to their local Community Action Agency.
- Step 2: Notification
If eligible, you will be informed of the amount of assistance you can receive. The agency will notify your energy provider(s) of your participation in the program. - Step 3: Payment
The agency will make payments to the energy provider(s) on your behalf.
When applying for assistance, you will need to provide the following information/documents:
- A copy of your current gas bill
- Applicants that have their utilities included in the rent must bring proof of rental agreement stating monthly rental amount, that utilities are included, and landlord contract information. (Rent costs must be greater than 30% of current household 30-day income)
- A copy of your current lease/proof of residence
- A valid driver’s license
- Social Security card/numbers for all household members (Hard-copy Social Security cards, print-out from the Social Security Administration)
- Proof of 30-day income from all household members.
- If a member of your household receives TANF, you must bring their Medical Eligibility Card.
- A copy of your current gas bill
Where to Apply
To see if you are eligible for LIHEAP, contact an agency near you.
Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois
|
Northwestern Illinois Community Action Agency
|
Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc.
|
Project NOW
|
Community Contacts, Inc.
|
Rockford Human Services Department
|
DuPage County
|
Tazwood Community Services
|
East Central Illinois
|
Tri-County Opportunities Council
|
Kankakee County
|
Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials
|
Kendall-Grundy
|
Champaign County Regional Planning Commission
|
Community Action Partnership of Lake County
|
Western Illinois Regional Council
|
McHenry County
|
Will County Center for Community Concerns
|
2024-2025 LIHEAP Income Guidelines
|
Family Size |
LIHEAP Maximum Monthly Income 200% |
|
1 |
$2,510 |
|
2 |
$3,407 |
|
3 |
$4,303 |
|
4 |
$5,200 |
|
5 |
$6,097 |
|
6 |
$6,993 |
|
7 |
$7,890 |
|
8 |
$8,427 |
|
9 |
$8,611 |
|
10 |
$8,794 |
For each additional household member under 18 add $673
Need a payment arrangement?
In addition to energy assistance programs, we offer flexible payment arrangements.
Call us at 888.642.6748 to make a payment arrangement.
