LIHEAP Archives | Citizens Utility Board

A step-by-step guide to applying for LIHEAP

Elizabeth — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:41:07 +0000

Far too many people are struggling to afford their utility bills, so it’s important to know the process for applying for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the LIHEAP application period is October 1, 2025, to August 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. Beginning Oct. 1, these eligible households can apply: Older adults (age 60 and older); individuals with a disability; households with at least one child age 5 years and under; households that are disconnected from their utilities/energy vendors, have a disconnect date within 7 days or have less than 25 percent in their propane tank. On Nov. 1, all other eligible households can apply. Here are the steps to take if you want to apply for funding: 1) Determine if you meet the income-eligibility guidelines. To qualify, your household’s gross income (before taxes) must be at or below 60 percent of the state median income. The graphic below outlines the income guidelines: 2) Once you have determined you meet the income requirements, prepare the documents you’ll need to apply. According to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, you’ll need: Proof of past 30-day income through a paystub, check or copy of a check showing your fixed income amount (e.g. SSA, VA, DHS benefits), or other proof of documentation for any income source. Copy of your most recent bill for heating (usually gas, propane or electric) and/or the electric bill issued within the last 30 days (if energy is directly paid for). Social security card or ITIN for residents who have them. (Note: Residents without ITIN or SSN can still apply and your “local administering agency/community action agency” will advise accordingly. See below for more info about finding your local agency.) A copy of your rental agreement (if renting) showing that the heating utility or utilities is/are included, the monthly rental amount, and landlord contact information. Proof that the household received TANF, Medicaid, SNAP, or other benefits if applicable. 3) Next, find a local community action agency based on your county of residence. This is where potential applicants will go to start the intake process. 4) Once your community action agency is located, the agency will work with you to complete an application. You can check the status of your application after applying, and you should be notified of your approval or denial within 30 days of applying. Payment is then made to the utility company on behalf of the resident. If you have additional questions, please visit the DCEO FAQ page or call the LIHEAP hotline, 1-833-711-0374. Also, watch this tutorial video from CEDA: How to Apply for Gas and Electric Bill Assistance.

The post A step-by-step guide to applying for LIHEAP appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.

Alert: Having trouble with your energy bills? LIHEAP reopens Oct. 2

Jim Chilsen — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:34:04 +0000

As we head into the winter heating season, CUB urges eligible consumers to apply for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding. The application process reopens. Oct. 2. Here’s the schedule for this fall: Oct. 2: LIHEAP begins taking applications for seniors (age 60 or older), people with disabilities and families with children under the age of 6 years old. Nov. 1: Households disconnected from their utilities/energy vendors or facing a disconnection notice or have less than a quarter left in their propane tank can apply for LIHEAP assistance. Dec. 1: All other income-eligible households can begin applying. July 5, 2024: The last day to apply online. After this date you can still apply through your local administering agency through August 15, 2024, or until funding is exhausted. There are two kinds of LIHEAP assistance available: LIHEAP Direct Vendor Payment (DVP) and Crisis Assistance. LIHEAP DVP is a one-time payment applicable to all income-eligible households. Crisis Assistance offers Reconnection Assistance within 48 hours of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) receiving documentation, or 18 hours if the temperature is below 32°F. Qualifying for LIHEAP is based on income. As the state of Illinois says: “If your household’s combined income for the 30 days prior to application (gross income for all household members, before taxes are deducted) is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, you may be eligible to receive assistance.” See the chart below. Family Size (total number in household) 30-Day Gross Income Total to Meet Eligibility 1 $2,430 2 $3,287 3 $4,143 4 $5,000 5 $5,857 6 $6,713 To learn more about LIHEAP and to apply, visit www.helpillinoisfamilies.com, call the Help Illinois Families Assistance Line at 1-833-711-0374 or contact your Local Administering Agency/Community Action Agency directly (visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website to find yours).

The post Alert: Having trouble with your energy bills? LIHEAP reopens Oct. 2 appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.

Alert: LIHEAP has reopened applications

Sophia — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 16:23:23 +0000

With another potentially expensive winter ahead, CUB urges consumers to apply for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding, now that the application process has reopened. Households at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for LIHEAP funding. The application period runs through May 31, 2023, or until funds are exhausted. Be sure to tell your friends, family and neighbors about this opportunity. To apply or learn more about LIHEAP, visit www.helpillinoisfamilies.com, call the Help Illinois Families Assistance Line at 1-833-711-0374 or contact your Local Administering Agency/Community Action Agency directly (visit the IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website to find yours). There are two kinds of LIHEAP assistance available: LIHEAP Direct Vendor Payment (DVP) and Crisis Assistance. LIHEAP DVP is a one-time payment applicable to all income eligible households. Crisis Assistance offers Reconnection Assistance within 48 hours of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) receiving documentation, or 18 hours if the temperature is below 32°F. Unfortunately, because of a strain on funding caused by high energy prices this year, the Percentage of Income Payment Plan, or PIPP, is not being offered to new customers. PIPP allows customers of certain utilities to pay a percentage of their income and receive a monthly benefit toward their utility bill. Current PIPP participants will be able to continue on the program. There still is other LIHEAP funding available, so CUB encourages people to inquire about LIHEAP and if they qualify. Also, review the list below. Per state regulations, all utilities offer due-date extensions, payment plan arrangements and fee waivers for eligible customers. Below are resources available to consumers who are having trouble paying their bills, organized by major utilities. Electric ComEd Payment Assistance ComEd offers the Smart Assistance Manager, or SAM, a tool to match customers with payment assistance options. The utility recommends that you sign into your account to get personalized recommendations through SAM. Ameren Payment Assistance Ameren Illinois offers several forms of financial assistance, including short-term, one-time payment extensions and fixed monthly payment agreements to settle past balances. (For example, Warm Neighbors Cool Friends provides year-round energy assistance and home weatherization to make harsh winters and hot summers bearable. Eligible households can receive $350 during the heating season and $200 during the cooling season.) This program is also offered for gas customers. Ameren also offers the option to “Pick a Due Date” which allows customers to select a payment date that works best for them. Gas Peoples Gas Share the Warmth Administered by the Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA), Share the Warmth provides heating grants to limited and fixed-income households. Eligible customers who make a payment toward their bills receive matching grants of up to $200. Also available for North Shore Gas customers. Nicor Gas Sharing Program Qualified residential customers can receive a one-time annual grant of $350 or $400, with no requirement to pay back. The program is administered through the Salvation Army. Ameren Payment Assistance (see above) Contact your utility to get more information about assistance available and special payment plans to help you pay off your bills […]

The post Alert: LIHEAP has reopened applications appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.

New crisis program to provide water bill assistance

Sophia — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 22:02:38 +0000

Help is on the way for thousands of Illinois households struggling with their water and wastewater bills during the pandemic. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has created the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) as a two-year crisis program providing benefits for water customers in need of assistance. Read our fact sheet on the program, which is receiving funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan. While LIHWAP is a temporary assistance program, Illinois plans to introduce the State Water Assistance Program (SWAP) sometime in 2022, but this program is still in the planning stages. When that program is ready to be launched, CUB will provide details. To apply for LIHWAP, interested residents should visit their local administering agency (LAA)— the same office you would go to for Low Income Home Energy Assistance, or LIHEAP. If you are physically unable to visit your LAA in-person, someone may drop off your application on your behalf, but you must provide them with a handwritten letter giving them permission to submit the application on your behalf. Please note that there is no statewide start date. Local agencies will roll out the program throughout September and October, so contact your LAA to find out when you can apply. Income eligibility will follow the requirements set for the Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): 200% of the federal poverty limit. (Consult with the chart on this page to see if your household qualifies.) This program requires that at least one person in the household has a social security number. If that individual is eligible for assistance, the household will receive benefits, regardless of the citizenship status of other members in the household. Households will be helped on a first come, first served basis. Those who have had their service disconnected, are on the disconnect list or owe more than $250 will be prioritized. Benefits are available once for water and once for wastewater/sewer per household between Sept. 1, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2023, or until funds have been exhausted. To maximize the number of households assisted, there is a max of $1,500 in benefits per household, for water and sewer combined. These benefits can be put toward: Imminent disconnection/disconnection; Disconnection fees/late fees; Part of current bill if in disconnection status; Arrears/past due balance. If your service has not been disconnected and you are not on the disconnect list, there is a minimum benefit of $250. There is no minimum for those who have had their service disconnected or are on the disconnect list. If you need more financial assistance or don’t qualify for LIHWAP, inquire with your utility about any financial assistance programs they may offer directly. Also, call 2-1-1 (3-1-1 for Chicago residents) for local resources, and visit your local Salvation Army for assistance. For any questions regarding LIHWAP or LIHEAP, please contact your LAA.

The post New crisis program to provide water bill assistance appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.

News from CUB: Updated LIHEAP fact sheet provides key steps to getting help to pay your utility bills during pandemic

Jim Chilsen — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 14:59:51 +0000

Amid the worst public health and economic crisis in Illinois history, CUB is spreading the word about how families can get help paying their utility bills. Check out these resources: Our newly updated fact sheet, Energy Assistance: Questions and Answers. Our infographic on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps low-income consumers pay their gas and electric bills. (English version | Spanish version). Helpful details about energy assistance: There’s a June 30 deadline to register for LIHEAP funding, but don’t wait to apply. The sooner you apply, the better. LIHEAP is available to more families this year. Because of the pandemic, there’s more money available for consumers, as CBS 2 Chicago reported recently. Also, last year the General Assembly amended state law to allow more people to qualify for assistance. Qualified applicants for the LIHEAP program now can have an income of less than 200 percent (adjusted from 150 percent) of the poverty level. To see if your income qualifies, consult the chart on this page. People are welcome to apply, regardless of immigration status. Currently, the LIHEAP system accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in place of a Social Security number (SSN). Even if you don’t have an ITIN, you can still apply. If you are interested in applying, you will need the following information/qualifications: Proof of gross income from all household members for the previous 30 days A copy of current heat and electric bills Proof of Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers OR immigration status for all household members Proof of anyone in the household receiving TANF, SNAP, Medical Eligibility or other assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services A copy of the rental agreement if utilities are included, showing the rent amount and landlord contact info To see if you qualify or for any questions, call the LIHEAP Hotline at 1-877-411-9276 (WARM). To avoid misinformation, CUB recommends you always use the State of Illinois’ website. (You can apply for funding at that website too.)

The post News from CUB: Updated LIHEAP fact sheet provides key steps to getting help to pay your utility bills during pandemic appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.

Financial assistance for utility bills available through June 30 to low-income families in Illinois

Celeste — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 21:58:54 +0000

Low-income families in the state of Illinois can still apply for financial assistance to help pay for gas or electric bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) until June 30, 2021. However, the sooner you apply, the better. CUB recommends that to avoid misinformation, the most reliable way to get details about LIHEAP benefits is to always use the state of Illinois’ website. LIHEAP remains available up to 200% of the federal poverty level, and undocumented applicants are welcome. Currently, the LIHEAP system accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in place of a Social Security number (SSN). Even if you don’t have an ITIN, you can still apply. To apply for LIHEAP, fill out the r pre-qualification application. Once you fill out your application, your local LIHEAP office will contact you. For more information and to learn about other financial assistance programs, visit the state’s Help for Illinois Families website. If you need help in Spanish, you can also call 1-833-711-0374. You can also view our infographics with more information: English version | Spanish version. If you have any questions, please call our consumer hotline at 1-800-669-5556. (Click here for a Spanish version of this blog.)

The post Financial assistance for utility bills available through June 30 to low-income families in Illinois appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.

Need help affording your utilities? You may qualify for bill assistance

Hannah — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 14:46:19 +0000

We talk to utility customers every day at CUB, so we know people are hurting and worried about paying their utility bills. If you cannot afford your utilities, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program–or LIHEAP. LIHEAP helps low-income consumers pay their electric and gas bills. About 350,000 Illinois households get LIHEAP funding of some kind, although that number is expected to increase as a result of the current economic crisis. In anticipation of this uptick in applications for financial assistance, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced on June 15 an additional $275 million in funding for LIHEAP and similar programs. The Illinois General Assembly also amended the Energy Assistance Act to allow more people to qualify for assistance. Previously, qualified applicants for the LIHEAP had to have an income less than 150 percent of the poverty level. The new amendment bumps the threshold for qualification to 200 percent. The new income limit is applicable through June 30, 2021. To see if your income qualifies, consult this chart. If you are interested in applying, you will need the following information/qualifications: Proof of gross income from all household members for the previous 30 days A copy of current heat and electric bills Proof of Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers OR immigration status for all household members Proof of anyone in the household receiving TANF, SNAP, Medical Eligibility or other assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services A copy of rental agreement if utilities are included, showing the rent amount and landlord contact info Funding is currently available and potential program participants are encouraged to apply. To see if you qualify, call the LIHEAP Hotline at 1-877-411-9276 (WARM).

The post Need help affording your utilities? You may qualify for bill assistance appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.

Natural gas rates go up as the economy plummets, unemployment skyrockets

Hannah — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 14:50:59 +0000

Most natural gas utilities have increased their prices for June, just as we face an economic crisis. These rising prices are a change in the downward trend CUB had observed in gas prices over the last several months. Thankfully, rates are still relatively low and usage tends to be lower in the summer months. The price per therm you will pay for natural gas in June, also known as the Purchased Gas Adjustment, or PGA, is shown in the chart below. It includes PGAs from this month, last month and June 2019 for comparison. Hover your mouse over the graphic to show prices. North Shore Gas, Peoples Gas, Mount Carmel and MidAmerican all increased their prices from last month. The largest jump came from North Shore, with an increase of about 10 percent to 29.26 cents per therm. Peoples Gas increased its rate by nearly 11 percent, from 17.89 cents to 19.85 cents. For the second month in a row, Illinois Gas claimed the lowest rate—7.38 cents (almost a penny cheaper than last month’s rate). On the other end, MidAmerican has the highest rate with 30.34 cents per therm. Rates for four utilities fell from last month, although no drops were substantial. Ameren’s rate fell to 29.49 cents per therm, about half a cent cheaper than last month. Just two hundredths of a cent separated Consumers’ May rate (30.28 cents) from its current price (30.26). Illinois Gas and Liberty customers will also experience a slight drop in price. Nicor Gas has continued its streak, maintaining a rate of 26 cents per therm for the past six months. This is 11 cents cheaper than the utility’s rate a year ago–nearly a 30 percent drop. In fact, all rates this month are lower than in June 2019. The largest historical decrease was Liberty Utilities. Its rate fell to 23.88 cents, 52 percent cheaper than its rate of 49.54 cents last June. Still, the fact that rates have increased from last month is not good news, especially given the nation’s skyrocketing unemployment numbers—more than 40 million people have already filed for unemployment since the Coronavirus pandemic came to the United States. Although there is a moratorium on shut-offs during the public health emergency, please remember that there is not a moratorium on billing. Your usage will still be recorded, bills will continue to be delivered, and full payment will be required eventually. CUB advises consumers to ensure they don’t get too far in debt with the utilities. If you can make full payments, do so. If you’ve hit hard economic times because of the crisis, be assertive in reaching out to your utility, and let it know that you do want to pay your bills. If you are able to pay something, always seek a payment arrangement with your utility or to renegotiate a payment plan you have with the company. And whenever possible, always seek to practice sound energy efficiency (be prudent with your usage). If you cannot afford your bills, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program–or LIHEAP. The program helps low-income consumers pay their electric […]

The post Natural gas rates go up as the economy plummets, unemployment skyrockets appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.