Find out if you qualify for LIHEAP in Illinois
Enter your household size and monthly income to see if you qualify for LIHEAP in Illinois. Results are instant, nothing is stored.
For a household of 3, the income limit for LIHEAP in Illinois is $5,558 a month ($66,700 a year), which is 60% of state median income.
This is an estimate: states can apply other rules, so check with your local LIHEAP agency. Limits are for the current federal fiscal year, October 1 through September 30.
Illinois LIHEAP
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:
Direct Vendor Payment (DVP)
Assistance is a one-time payment to the utility company on behalf of the applicant. This includes gas, electricity, liquid propane, and oil.
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 place of the traditional plan of one-time benefit.
Crisis Assistance
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:
- Be a resident of Illinois
- Be a U.S. Citizen, qualified alien or permanent resident of the U.S
- Be responsible for paying your home heating bills
- Have a total income no more than 60% of the State Median Income (SMI)
What is the income limit for LIHEAP in Illinois?
Households with incomes lower than 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) are eligible for LIHEAP. For a family of three, the current income limit in a 30-day period is $5,558.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,441 |
| 2 | $4,500 |
| 3 | $5,558 |
| 4 | $6,617 |
| 5 | $7,676 |
| 6 | $8,735 |
| 7 | $8,933 |
| 8 | $9,132 |
What is the low income discount adjustment in Illinois?
Beginning in October 2024, natural gas utilities implemented a new set of tiered bill discounts for low-income households whose incomes are up to 300% of the federal poverty level.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,990 |
| 2 | $5,410 |
| 3 | $6,830 |
| 4 | $8,250 |
| 5 | $9,670 |
| 6 | $11,090 |
| 7 | $12,510 |
| 8 | $13,930 |
The discounts are offered on a sliding scale, with customers in the lowest income tiers receiving the highest percentage off their bills.
ComEd electric customers became eligible for similar discounts in 2026, with discounts of 5 to 80 percent. Ameren Illinois electric customers followed in June 2026, with bills capped at 3 percent of income, or 6 percent for space heating customers.1
How much does LIHEAP pay in Illinois?
In Illinois, eligible households may receive up to $2,564 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 can apply for LIHEAP through your local Community Action Agency. Applications will be accepted through August 13, 2027, or until available funds are depleted.
Use the map provided to find the agency that serves your county. If you prefer to apply by phone, you may also contact
Help Illinois Families
(833) 711-0374
Illinois residents in Rock Island, Mercer and Henry counties should contact
Project NOW, Inc.
(309) 793-6391
Does LIHEAP pay for water, sewer or phone utility service?
No. LIHEAP helps with heating and cooling bills and does not pay for water, sewer or phone service.
Footnotes
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Illinois Commerce Commission, Low Income Discount Rates. ↩
About this information
SingleMotherGuide.com is an independent state-by-state reference guide and is not affiliated with any government agency. Program amounts and income limits are compiled from official federal and state sources, which are cited on the page, and are reviewed periodically and updated as those sources change.
The information is provided for general guidance and is not legal or financial advice. The administering agency makes the final determination of eligibility and benefit amounts. To report an error, please contact us.
Data freshness
Figures on this page are compiled from the public sources cited above and may change; refer to the cited sources for the most current information.
- Last updated
- Updated by
- Ada Hu