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 200% of the federal nonfarm poverty level. Additionally, you will also qualify for assistance with your water and wastewater bills if your household is disconnected, in threat of disconnection or if you are more than $250 in arrears on your current bill. You will apply for Low Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) at the same time you complete your current LIHEAP application.
See How to Apply for more information.
For a complete list of LIHEAP application agencies based on county, see Where to Apply. For additional program information check out the Frequently Asked Questions. Or call the LIHEAP Hotline at 1-877-411-WARM (9276).
Check the status of your LIHEAP application.
Expanded energy assistance programming builds on the administration’s $275 million Help Illinois Families (HIF) initiative, created to help reach an unprecedented number of families who have fallen behind on bills due to the pandemic. For more, visit helpillinoisfamilies.com.
HOME ENERGY RESOURCES
Watch a video from Citizens Utility Board on how to save energy in your home.
For more videos about your utility bill and saving money and energy visit:
- Citizens Utility Board (video)
- Download the LIHEAP brochure (English | Spanish)
- Download the LIHEAP Appeal Rights poster (English | Spanish)
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 (heating gas and/or electric) bill(s) and, arrearage reductions for every on-time payment they make, if applicable. Starting September 1, 2021 PIPP applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis until available funding per county and per utility is obligated. Applications for PIPP are taken from September 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022, or until funding is exhausted.
Find a Community Action Agency (CAA) serving your area and apply for assistance.
2021-2022 Application Dates and Program Eligibility
For more information contact:
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