Energy Assistance Applications Open Oct. 1 for Eligible Cook County Households (Cook County, IL) – With colder months approaching, the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA) is preparing to roll out its annual Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), offering help to income-qualified residents struggling with heating and utility bills.
Applications open Oct. 1 for households that include seniors 60 and older, individuals with disabilities, or children under age 6. Families facing utility shutoffs or with less than 25% of propane in their tanks also qualify for early applications. All other eligible households can apply starting Nov. 1.
The program provides one-time benefits to help cover natural gas, propane, and electricity costs. Assistance is also available for heating system repairs or replacements through CEDA’s Furnace Assistance program. Funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until Aug. 15, 2026, or until the program’s resources run out.
CEDA officials noted that propane customers should consider applying as soon as the program opens, since prices for propane typically rise during winter months.
This year’s program expands income eligibility, with households qualifying if they earn at or below 60% of the state’s median income. For example, the maximum 30-day gross income is $3,332 for a single-person household, $4,357 for two people, $5,382 for three, and $6,407 for four. Households with five or more members can check income guidelines online at CEDAorg.net/Bills or LIHEAPillinois.com.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, LIHEAP customers will also see new monthly discounts on their electric and heating bills through the Low Income Discount Rate (LIDR) program. The discounts will apply automatically for eligible ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas, and Peoples Gas customers — but households must apply for LIHEAP this year to keep or receive the utility discounts.
Applications can be filed online at CEDAorg.net/Bills, or through one of CEDA’s local Partner Intake Sites listed at CEDAorg.net/Sites. Required documents include proof of income for the past 30 days, Social Security numbers (or ITINs) for household members, current gas and electric bills, and, for renters, a lease showing heating costs are included in rent.
For more information or assistance, residents can call the CEDA Energy Assistance hotline at (800) 571-CEDA (2332).
Energy Assistance Applications Open Oct. 1 for Eligible Cook County Households
