LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WITH RENEWHVAC
For many Illinois households, energy expenses can place severe and continuing stress on a family’s budget. In some cases, the household may be forced to make difficult decisions, such
as sacrificing certain necessities in order to pay their energy bills.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for winter energy services. LIHEAP provides a one-time benefit to eligible households for use towards energy costs. The benefit amount is based on four criteria: income, household size, fuel type, and geographic location.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
You may be eligible to receive assistance through LIHEAP if your household’s combined gross income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or 60% of State Median Income.
Go to www.LIHEAPillinois.com for the current income guidelines. If you rent, and your heat and/or electric is included in the rent, then your rent must be greater than 30 percent of your income for 30 days prior to application date to be eligible to receive benefits.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Here we will look at 3 standard steps to getting help.
First Step: Application
Find your county’s local agency (Call us at 331-442-HVAC (4822)) and contact them to apply for LIHEAP. If you are homebound, special accommodations can be made to assist you in applying.
The staff member who takes your application should help you to understand:
• The program requirements
• The type of assistance available
• Your rights under the program
When you apply for assistance, bring the following with you:
• Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30-day period prior to the application date
• A copy of your current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days (if you pay for your energy directly)
• A copy of your rental agreement (if your heating costs are included in your rent showing that utilities are included, monthly rental amount, and landlord contact information)
• Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members
• If receiving assistance from Illinois Department of Human Services, bring proof your household received cash assistance or other benefits, such as Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Second Step: Notification
The agency you contact will determine your eligibility based on the information you provide and will notify you within 30 days of your completed application. If you are disconnected or in imminent threat of disconnection (within 7 days) your application will be prioritized.
Third Step: Payment
If you are eligible, the local agency will make the appropriate payment to your energy provider(s) on your behalf or, in some cases, directly to you.
OTHER TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
Reconnection Assistance – If your household is disconnected or has a disconnect notice (within 7 days of disconnection date) from an energy source needed for heating, or has a delivered fuel supplier that has refused to deliver to you, Reconnection Assistance may be available. However, it is only provided to households that have made an effort to maintain their energy services or who can pay a portion of the reconnection amount.
Furnace Assistance – If your household is LIHEAP eligible and your heating system is inoperable or determined to be unsafe by the fuel vendor, Furnace Assistance may be available.
PIPP – The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) program is available for LIHEAP eligible households who are customers of one of the following utilities: Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, and People Gas/North Shore Gas.
Under PIPP, you will pay a percentage of your income, receive a monthly benefit towards your utility bill and, a pre-program balance reduction for every on-time payment you make.
