LIHEAP Illinois

LIHEAP will begin accepting applications on October 2, 2023, through August 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted.

Illinois' Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to assist eligible households pay for their energy bills.

Depending upon funding availability, Illinois LIHEAP may offer up to three types of assistance:

  1. LIHEAP Direct Vendor Payment (DVP). Assistance is a one-time payment to the utility company. This includes gas, electricity, liquid propane, and oil.
  2. LIHEAP Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). Under PIPP, households have the option to pay a portion of their income and receive a monthly benefit towards their utility bill in lieu of the traditional plan of one-time benefit. 1
  3. Crisis Assistance offers Reconnection Assistance within 48 hours, or 18 hours in the event of a life-threatening situation.

FAQ #

Who is eligible for LIHEAP Illinois? #

To eligible for LIHEAP, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be a resident of Illinois
  2. Be a U.S. Citizen, qualified alien or permanent resident of the U.S
  3. Be responsible for paying your home heating bills
  4. Have a total income no more than 200% of the federal poverty level

Households may qualify if their income does not exceed 200% of federal poverty. For a family of three, the current income limit in a 30-day period is $4,143.

How much does LIHEAP pay in Illinois? #

In Illinois, eligible households may receive up to $2,020 once per program year. Payments are made directly to the utility provider on behalf of the applicant. If the bill is included in the recipient's rent, the payment will be made directly to the recipient instead.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in Illinois? #

You may apply for LIHEAP through your local Community Action Agency. Please refer to the map here to locate the appropriate local agency for your county. Alternatively, you may call the Help Illinois Families at 1-833-711-0374 to apply.

Does LIHEAP pay for water, sewer or phone utility service? #

No, however you can apply for a new program, the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) on the same application as LIHEAP.

References

  1. Due to lack of funding caused by high energy prices this year, the Percentage of Income Payment Plan, or PIPP, is currently not being offered to new customers.
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