The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income families pay for home energy services, like natural gas, propane, and electricity bills. Under a tiered system, those aged 60 and older, disabled individuals, and families with children under the age of 6 years old get first priority and can apply right now.
On November 1, 2023, households that are disconnected from their utilities/energy vendors, have a disconnection notice, or have less than 25% in their propane tank can start applying for LIHEAP assistance. All other income eligible households can start applying on December 1, 2023.
The amount of support families can receive varies based on the needs of the applicants, but last year over 311,000 households received an average of over $1,000.
The eligible income thresholds can be found on the Help Illinois Families website. Families can also call the hotline at 1-833-711-0374 for LIHEAP assistance.