Illinois Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial aid to low-income households in Illinois so that they can pay their energy bills during winter. The program is designed to help those who can't afford to pay their bills as well as those who can't afford to repair heating equipment.

The amount of Illinois LIHEAP benefits depends on number of factors such as household income, geographical location, household size, and fuel type used for heating. Some households may be eligible for additional benefits if they are in a state of crises.

Illinois LIHEAP benefits are directly paid to the energy provider by your local agency. However, these benefits are paid in cash to the household in some cases. For example, if a household has disconnection notice or fuel supplier (who delivers at home) has refused to deliver, household will receive cash benefits through Reconnection Assistance. To receive help through Reconnection Assistance, household has to pay a portion of the total amount needed for reconnection. Similarly, if a household has a broken or inoperable furnace, it will receive additional help to make the optimal use of available fuel.

Illinois LIHEAP also provides additional assistance to households who are customers of certain utility companies. Such households will have to pay a percentage of their income to the energy company each month without causing delay and they will get monthly benefit as well as discount on their energy bills in return. It is known as The Percentage of Income Payment Plan and is available for all LIHEAP eligible households in Illinois.

In order to receive benefits through LIHEAP, an applicant will have to show that he/she is responsible for paying home energy costs. In case a household pays heating costs as a part of monthly rent, you will receive aid through LIHEAP only if rent is more than 30% of the household income for at least last 30 days.

Households are informed about approval or denial of their LIHEAP application within 30 days of making the application. In case of approval, relevant agency will pay utility company directly within 15 days of approval. If a household qualifies to receive cash payment for furnace repairing or crisis assistance then the payment will be made within two weeks of approval.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive LIHEAP benefits in Illinois, applicant has to be

• Resident of Illinois

• Need income assistance to continue using heating during winter

• For crisis assistance, households will receive help if they are running out of primary fuel

• Those requiring aid for furnace repairing will have to pay a portion of total cost

• Household income must be within income limits defined by the program

Income limits

Households in Illinois will have to meet the following income limit to be eligible for LIHEAP benefits.

Number of people in household Annual income limit

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

For each additional person in the household, add $5,940 in the annual income limit to find out income limit for your household size.

LIHEAP Application Instructions

To apply for LIHEAP in Illinois, you have to find you local community action agency. You can find address and contact information about community action agencies in Illinois using this link.

When visiting community action agency, make sure that you are taking the following documents with you to expedite the application process.

• Proof of household income

• A copy of your energy and heating bills issued within last 30 days of making such application

• If heating costs are included in your rent then you need to take a copy of your rental agreement with you

• Social security number of all the household members

• If any member of the household is receiving aid through TANF or other low-income programs then bring its proof

In case you need help with anything, call at 877-411-9276 for further assistance or visit your nearest local community action agency office.