Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help pay for utilities. The maximum benefit per household per year is $2,020.

To apply for LIHEAP, you have to meet the income limit. Your household’s combined income for the past 30 days must be below 200% of the poverty level. This income number is your gross income before taxes are deducted. You can check if your 30-day household income meets the threshold to qualify by visiting the Help Illinois Families website.

If your rent includes your heat or electric, then rent must be greater than 30% of your income. Paying for utilities through your landlord does not affect your eligibility. You can also check Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG) to see if you qualify for any other aid.

You may qualify for LIHEAP regardless of immigrant status.

Application Period

The LIHEAP application period is October 2, 2023, to August 15, 2024. Otherwise, until funding is exhausted. It can take up to 45 days to process your LIHEAP application. You can apply by visiting the Help Illinois Families website to submit a request for services form online OR by visiting your local agency. You can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages. The local agency will let you know in writing within 30 days from the date you apply. If your application is approved, the grant will be issued either to you or the utility company. This grant will happen within 15 days.

The agency will notify the utility company after your application is approved. Learn more about applying for LIHEAP.

To receive a utility for the first time, you need to contact the utility company. Learn more from Signing up for public utilities.

Reconnection Assistance and Furnace Assistance

Reconnection Assistance is provided when a household is in imminent disconnection status. Also, if it is already disconnected. Disconnection is imminent when it will occur within 7 days without crisis assistance.

Furnace Assistance is provided until March 31, 2023, or until the furnace allocation is exhausted. It goes to qualifying households which received a LIHEAP energy assistance benefit in the 2021 Program Year. Furnace Assistance benefits are for households without an operating furnace. Also, households without a safe heat source for their residence. It  may include true-up, repair, or replacement costs to restore a vital heat supply.

Reconnection Assistance and Furnace Assistance is provided within 48 hours from your application completion. Otherwise, 18 hours from the date and time your application is complete when:

• The temperature at the time the application is complete is below 32°F,
• The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) rules or similar local laws do not protect your household, and
• Reconnection is the only available remedy. For example, your household does not have:
  • Alternate shelter,
  • Temporary means of heat, or
  • You are homebound.

Reconnection and Furnace Assistance is limited to $1,200 per household per year.

How long the qualification lasts 

Your low-income consumer qualification with LIHEAP lasts up to a year. You must renew your low-income customer status with LIHEAP every year.

Need Help?

If you need help at any point during the application process, please call 1-833-711-0374.
 
For more information, please visit the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity website.