The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Illinois is now underway. Illinois households with disabled or elderly members, and those who are disconnected from their utilities, may now apply for heating assistance at locations throughout the state.
“While natural gas prices are not expected to reach the staggering levels of last year, it is still important for eligible citizens to start applying for these funds now,” Gov. Ryan said. “Last winter would have been much worse for thousands of Illinois residents had it not been for the resources available through LIHEAP.”
As a result of action initiated last year by Gov. Ryan and approved by the Illinois General Assembly, the eligibility levels for the LIHEAP program increased. That action allowed the state to offer assistance to an additional 140,000 households last year. The governor also lobbied members of the Illinois Congressional delegation last summer for additional LIHEAP funds.
Total funding for the LIHEAP program this winter is approximately $127 million, with $62 million from the federal Low Income Energy Assistance Block Grant and $65 million from the state’s Supplemental Low Income Energy Assistance fund. LIHEAP funds are administered through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA).
“Because of Gov. Ryan’s proactive efforts last year, Illinois received an additional $70 million in federal LIHEAP funds,” said DCCA Director Pam McDonough. “Those extra dollars were critical in allowing thousands of Illinois households to meet their winter energy needs. We are now gearing up for the coming winter with the goal of ensuring that low-income households may access resources they need to stay warm and safe.”
The energy assistance program is targeted at households with incomes up to 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. A family of one can have a monthly income of no more than $1,074; a two-person household no more than $1,451; and a family of four an income no greater than $2,205. Benefits are provided directly to the household’s gas or electric utility or delivered fuel dealer for households that heat with fuel oil or propane.
Benefits include repairs of inoperable residential heating systems, payments to utilities or fuel dealers on behalf of eligible households to help reduce energy bills, and emergency assistance to help disconnected households regain energy services. In limited instances where heat is included in rent and rent is greater than 30 percent of a household’s income, a small cash payment may be made directly to the household.
LIHEAP is operated throughout the state by a network of local agencies that work with utilities, determine eligibility and provide benefits to households. Anyone wishing to apply should contact the local agency in the county where they live. Additional assistance is available by calling the toll-free LIHEAP information line at (800) 252-8643, TDD (800) 785-6055.
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