Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Regular Assistance  /  Emergency Heating  /  Furnace Replacement   /   Heating Reconnection  / 

Emergency Cooling Assistance   /   Electric Only Assistance 

For many Illinois households, energy costs place a severe and continuing stress on the 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 the rising cost of winter energy services.

To download a LIHEAP Site List, click here.

Who is Eligible?

You may be eligible to receive assistance under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program if your household’s combined income is at or below 150% of the Federal poverty guidelines. If you rent and your heat and/or electric is included in the rent, then if your rent is greater than 30% of your income you could be eligible to receive cash benefits.

 

2008 LIHEAP GUIDELINES

150% Poverty

 

                         

 

 

 

                              

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                                              

                                      

 

                                                                                                                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When you apply for any type of assistance, be sure to bring the following materials with you:

· Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30-day period prior to the application date.

 

· A copy of your current heat and electric bills (if you pay for your home energy directly).

 

· Proof of Social Security Numbers for all household members.

 

· If a member of your household receives TANF, you must bring their “Medical Eligibility Card.”

 

· If you rent, and utilities are included in the rent, bring proof of your rental agreement that must state your monthly rent amount.