Illinois has launched the 2024 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to aid income-eligible households with utility costs. Applications opened on October 1st, and will remain available until August 15, 2025, or until funds are depleted. The program will distribute $226 million to assist families with natural gas, propane, electricity bills, and furnace needs.
Key Details:
Application Process: Families can apply online at helpillinoisfamilies.com or at local agencies. Assistance is available in 30 languages via 1-833-711-0374.
Priority Applicants: Older adults (60+), individuals with disabilities, families with young children (5 or younger), and households facing utility disconnection will have priority. Other eligible households can apply from November 1, 2024.
Financial Support: LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy providers. Last year, the average assistance was over $724 for more than 333,000 households. Eligible families can earn up to twice the federal poverty level, with specific income thresholds based on household size.
Additional Program Information:
Crisis Assistance: Emergency funding for heating-related issues.
Furnace Assistance: Help for homeowners with non-functioning furnaces, as available.
Home Weatherization: Program to improve energy efficiency in homes.
From October 1st, LIHEAP customers of certain utilities will also receive monthly discounts on natural gas bills. For more details, visit powerbilldiscount.com.
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