Utility Assistance Applications Open For Low-Income Illinoisans

by Andrew Adams

     The state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications for all households. The program offers financial assistance for utility bills to low-income families. Other discounts are also available, even if someone is not enrolled in LIHEAP.
Applications opened on Oct. 1 for adults age 60 and older, individuals with a disability, families with children under age 5, and households that are disconnected from their utilities or energy vendors, have a disconnect date within seven days or whose propane tanks are less than 25% full.
     Community action agencies – the local organizations which administer LIHEAP – accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis through the middle of August, although applications will close earlier if funds run out, so those interested in applying should do so sooner rather than later.
     Households with incomes lower than double the federal poverty level are eligible for the program. That works out to $2,510 in a 30-day period for individuals, $3,407 for households with two members, $4,303 for households with three individuals and higher for larger households. Higher income thresholds are available at the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website.