Illinois energy assistance applications open Thursday for priority households
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
ILLINOIS (KBSI) – Eligible Illinois households can begin applying Thursday, Oct. 1, for help paying energy bills through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
The program helps qualifying households pay for heating gas, propane and electricity, according to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Applications initially open to adults 60 or older, people with disabilities and households with at least one child age 5 or younger. Households with disconnected utilities, a disconnection date within seven days or less than 25% remaining in their propane tank also can apply Thursday.
All other income-eligible households can apply beginning Nov. 1. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 13, 2027, or until funding is exhausted.
DCEO lists the following income limits for customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas.
Eligibility is based on total household income before taxes during the 30 days preceding an application.
Household size Maximum 30-day gross income:
- $3,990
- $5,410
- $6,830
- $8,250
- $9,670
- $11,090
Separate income limits apply to households served by federally funded utilities or energy vendors. Residents should contact their local administering agency to confirm eligibility.
Residents can submit an online request through Help Illinois Families. The request is not a completed application; a local agency will follow up to help applicants complete the process.
Residents also can contact their local agency directly or call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance.
Application details and required documents are available on DCEO’s website.
