LIHEAP Applications Open for Seniors, Customers With Disabilities and Families With Young Children
NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Oct. 12, 2026 – Nicor Gas encourages eligible customers to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded bill payment assistance program designed to help households manage winter energy costs.
Applications are now being accepted for income-qualified residential customers who are age 60 and older, have a disability or have at least one child age 5 or younger. Households that have been disconnected or have received a disconnection notice within the next seven days also may be eligible to apply.
LIHEAP is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and helps low- and fixed-income families meet their energy needs during the winter heating season while supporting energy efficiency improvements.
To qualify, a household's combined gross income for the 30 days prior to application must be at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that equates to an annual income of $99,000 or a gross monthly income of $8,250.
Open enrollment for all other income-eligible households will begin Nov. 1, 2026. For eligibility information and to apply, visit helpillinoisfamilies.com or call 1-833-711-0374.
In addition to LIHEAP, Nicor Gas offers several programs and resources to help customers manage energy costs:
Sharing Program – Provides one-time annual regular, senior and veteran grants of up to $700 with no repayment required. To qualify, a household's combined income for the 30 days prior to application must be between 301% and 350% of the federal poverty level. The program is administered by The Salvation Army and funded through voluntary contributions from Nicor Gas customers and employees.
Low-Income Discount Program (LIDP) – Residential customers receiving LIHEAP and Percentage of Income Payment Plan benefits are automatically enrolled in LIDP, which provides bill discounts ranging from 5% to 75%. Other customers may qualify for a 5% discount, as well as waivers of deposits and late payment fees, through self-certification online or by calling 888.Nicor4U (888-642-6748).
Energy Aide Program – Provides grants of up to $250 toward past-due balances. Grants do not need to be repaid. To qualify, a household's combined gross income for the 30 days prior to application must be at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.
Payment Arrangements – Eligible customers may be able to establish payment arrangements that provide additional time to pay past-due balances and avoid potential service disconnections. Customers can explore available options by visiting nicorgas.com/myaccount.
Budget Plan – Helps customers avoid seasonal bill fluctuations by spreading annual natural gas costs into more predictable monthly payments. Budget Plan amounts are reviewed periodically to align with actual usage and natural gas costs. Customers can learn more at nicorgas.com/budgetplan.
Energy Efficiency Program – Offers free home assessments, energy-saving products and incentives to help customers save money and energy. Eligible income-qualified households may qualify for additional services and equipment upgrades. Customers can call 877-866-4239 or visit nicorgas.com/saveathome.
To learn more about bill payment assistance programs, visit nicorgas.com/billpaymentassistance.
Customers can also connect with Nicor Gas' Community Connection Center (C3), which helps customers navigate available assistance programs and connect with additional community resources. Visit nicorgas.com/CCC or use the Community Assistance Navigator for personalized recommendations.
About Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), and serves 2.3 million customers in more than 650 communities across Northern Illinois. Nicor Gas is fueling customer choice, innovation, economic growth and a sustainable energy future. Nicor Gas is working to keep bills as low as possible while continuing to provide clean, safe and reliable natural gas. For more information, visit NicorGas.com.
Media Contact:
Morgan Chase
mchase@southernco.com