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September 23, 2026 – The Empowerment Opportunity Center will begin accepting applications October 1st for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
The program provides one-time assistance to income-eligible households with natural gas, propane and electric bills, as well as assistance for inoperable furnaces.
Beginning October 1st, applications will be accepted from adults 60 and older, people with disabilities, families with children age five and younger, and households facing urgent energy needs. That includes households whose utilities have been disconnected, those with a disconnection notice, or propane customers with less than 25 percent remaining in their tank.
All other income-eligible households can begin applying November 1st.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through August 13th, 2027, or until funding runs out.
The monthly gross income limit listed for the program is $3,441 for a one-person household, $4,500 for two people, $5,558 for three people and $6,617 for four people.
Applications will be taken at 360 East Marietta Street in Decatur.
Applicants must provide documentation including income for all household members for the previous 30 days, Social Security numbers, and recent heat and electric bills. Additional documentation may be required depending on the household.
For information about required documents, outreach locations and application options, call the Empowerment Opportunity Center at 217-428-2193.
