LIHEAP

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), usually called fuel assistance, helps you pay heating bills. Eligibility is based on your family’s gross household income. The program is for homeowners and renters. Check out LIHEAP Illinois for a site near you.

You will need to complete an application and provide the following information:

• Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30-day period prior to application date;
• A copy of your current heat and electric bills (if you pay for your home energy directly);
• Proof of Social Security numbers of all household members;
• If you or a member of your household receives Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) you must bring their "Medical Eligibility Card;" and
• If you rent, bring proof of your rental agreement which states your monthly rent amount.

Shut Off Policy

In Illinois between December 1 and March 31 when the temperature is 32° F or below utilities are prohibited from being shut off. If the temperature is above 32° F during December 1 and March 31 and the utility plans to shut off service the utility company has to:

• Offer a payment plan with the option of a 10% down payment and equalized billing over the next 4 to 12 months.
• Offer a deferred payment plan and
• Informed you of available energy assistance funds  
• If you received LIHEAP services and have outstanding balances of less than $3,000 you will pay the lesser value of $250 or 20 percent of your remaining balance to reactivate service. There is also to be a 30 day delay if your physician certifies that disconnect would negatively affect the health of a household member. You are however required to enter into a payment plan. 

Other Utility Assistance

Utility companies throughout Illinois have programs called Good Samaritan Programs which can assist with payment or bill reduction.  The local gas companies may help you get your heat reconnected by your payment of 20 percent of a past-due amount, or $250, whichever is less.

To qualify, a utility customer must be low income and have an annual income that does not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty line. In Illinois, Peoples Energy, Nicor Gas, Mid American Energy and Ameren participate in the program.

Many utility companies can also help you with resolving past due bills, or have charitable assistance programs. The LIHEAP Clearinghouse has a comprehensive list of these programs.