September 20, 2023 – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released information about this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support with utility costs. LIHEAP will begin accepting applications on October 2, 2023, through August 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted.
“Every Illinoisan, regardless of income, deserves to be able to keep the lights on and stay warm—especially as we near wintertime,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to $237 million from our Help Illinois Families Program, thousands of households will be eligible for LIHEAP to offset skyrocketing utility costs. And with equity as our north star, this year’s tiered program will prioritize families with the greatest needs, so that our elders, young children, and disabled neighbors have the resources they need to maintain energy access.”
The energy bill assistance program offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane, and electricity bills.
“LIHEAP is an important resource for Illinois families and the program improvements will help prioritize families who need the most assistance,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Through a program year extension and tiered application periods, the State of Illinois is providing the resources necessary for reliable access to energy utilities.”
Beginning October 2, 2023, eligible families can apply by visiting helpillinoisfamilies.com . Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.
During the pandemic, the tiered application system which was previously in place was paused due to greater widespread need. This year, the tiered application system will be reinstated to ensure families most in need are able to apply first. The first group eligible to apply is expected to represent more than half of households that apply for the program.
October 2 – Income-eligible households who fall under the following categories:
- Households with seniors age 60+
- Households with a documented long-term disability
- Households with children under age 6
November 1 – Income-eligible households who fall under the following categories:
- October priority period households
- Households that are disconnected
- Households facing imminent threat of disconnection
December 1
- All income-eligible households
LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year over 311,000 households received LIHEAP, with an average of over $1,000 per household.
All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two-times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP.
Last year’s LIHEAP funding – which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 – provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.
