CHICAGO — To combat rising energy prices, State Senator Willie Preston urges eligible residents in the 16th District to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
“Every day, more Illinois residents are unable to pay their rising energy bills, having to sacrifice another necessity to keep their lights on,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This program supports Illinois families in need, helping them afford their utility costs and taking one more worry off their plates.”
The LIHEAP program – which opened Oct. 1 – utilizes a priority application system to ensure that the families who are most in need can apply first. All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until the funding is depleted. Families who earn up to twice 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 many other programs to support eligible low-income residents 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 with heating-related emergencies.
- Furnace Assistance: Based on funding availability, the Furnace Assistance program may be able to help 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.
Learn more about these programs and apply on the DCEO’s website.
