CHICAGO – State Senator Napoleon Harris III announced that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is open for eligible families in the 15th District to help with rising energy costs in Illinois.
“As temperatures begin to drop, no one should have to choose between paying their energy bill and meeting other basic needs,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “LIHEAP helps provide families with some much-needed breathing room, and I encourage residents who may qualify to submit an application.”
The LIHEAP program – which opens Oct. 1 – utilizes a priority application system to ensure that families most in need can apply first. All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with the eligible income thresholds can be found here.
In addition to LIHEAP, Illinois offers a number of other programs to support eligible low-income families with utility assistance. These programs include:
- One-Time Direct Vendor Payment: All LIHEAP recipients receive a one-time payment.
- Crisis/Reconnection Assistance: Funding is available for families in heating-related emergency situations.
- Furnace Assistance: Based on funding availability, Furnace Assistance may be provided to homeowners who do not have an operating furnace for their residence.
- Home Weatherization Program: The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) helps low-income residents and households conserve fuel and reduce energy costs by making their homes and apartments more energy efficient.
People can learn more and apply for these programs on the DCEO Website.
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