LIHEAP Energy Assistance Applications Open for Seniors, People with Disabilities and Families with Young Children (Naperville, IL) – Applications are now open for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), offering support to eligible Illinois households struggling to pay winter energy bills.
The program began accepting applications this week from income-qualified residents who are 60 or older, living with a disability, or who have at least one child age 5 or younger. Households that have already been disconnected or received a disconnection notice within the past seven days are also eligible to apply.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to help low- and fixed-income families meet winter heating costs and improve home energy efficiency.
To qualify, a household’s gross income over the 30 days before applying must be at or below 60% of the state median income. For a family of four, that limit is $76,884 annually or $6,407 per month. Enrollment for all other income-eligible households will open on Nov. 1.
Applications can be submitted online at www.helpillinoisfamilies.com
or by calling the LIHEAP hotline at 877-411-9276 (WARM).
Additional Assistance Programs from Nicor Gas
In addition to LIHEAP, Nicor Gas offers several programs to help customers manage their natural gas bills:
Sharing Program – One-time annual grants of up to $700 are available to qualifying households with incomes between 61% and 80% of the state median. Funds are administered by The Salvation Army.
Low-Income Discount Program (LIDP) – Automatically provides bill discounts between 5% and 75% for customers already receiving LIHEAP or other qualifying benefits. Other customers can apply for a 5% discount plus waivers for deposits and late fees by calling 888-642-6748.
Energy Aide Program – Offers grants up to $250 for past-due balances. Available to households earning at or below 350% of the federal poverty level.
Payment Arrangements – Allows eligible customers to pay off past-due balances over time and avoid service disconnections.
Budget Plan – Helps customers spread energy costs evenly throughout the year to avoid high winter bills.
Energy Efficiency Program – Provides free home energy assessments, energy-saving products, and incentives for upgrades. Income-qualified households may receive additional services at no cost.
More information on these programs is available at nicorgas.com/billpaymentassistance.
LIHEAP Energy Assistance Applications Open for Seniors, People with Disabilities and Families with Young Children
