Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) are encouraging families in need to apply for $300 million in available funding for energy bill assistance through the Help Illinois Families program. All families who meet the criteria and provide required documentation are eligible to receive bill assistance for natural gas, propane, and electricity through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
"Every Illinoisan deserves access to reliable energy--regardless of their economic status," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Thanks to LIHEAP, we are making natural gas, propane, and electricity assistance accessible for our state's family that are feeling the squeeze from rising costs of living. My administration has always been--and will always be--committed to making sure that every resident has access to the services they need to keep the lights on."
Beginning Sept. 1, families can apply by visiting helpillinoisfamilies.com or by visiting their local agency (a list of partners throughout the State can be found here). Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.
"Starting September 1st, support with energy bills is available through DCEO's Help Illinois Families program and all households who meet the income threshold are eligible for support with their utility bills," said DCEO Director Sylvia I. Garcia. "Families who earn up to two-times the federal poverty level qualify for help, which means a family of four making around $55,000 a year or less is eligible. I encourage all Illinois families in need of assistance to visit our website or call our hotline to learn more and apply."
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's LIHEAP recipients received an average of $1,330 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.
In addition to LIHEAP and available state resources, the federal government through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) recently unveiled several initiatives designed to lower energy costs for families, including federal rebates for the installation of energy efficient appliances, rebates for families to make improvements for energy efficiency and more.
Last year's LIHEAP funding - which was available from September 2021 through May 2022 -- provided a record level of assistance to 302,000 households.
Categories: Illinois, Government & Policy