Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Attention: Updates to LIHEAP Season
The program will begin taking applications on October 1, 2026, for older adults (age 60 and older), individuals with a disability, families with children 5 years old and under, and households that are disconnected or have a disconnect date within 7 days. Open enrollment begins November 1, 2026.
Please visit liheapillinois.com or call 833.711.0374 for more information.
LIHEAP Guidelines
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides qualifying households with monetary relief for energy bills.
LIHEAP funds do not need to be paid back. Eligibility is based on several factors, including household size and income. Funds are provided in one lump sum from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
To qualify for LIHEAP, a household's combined income for the 30 days prior to application must be at or below a certain level. For renters, heat and/or electric must be included in the rent, and rent must be greater than 30 percent of total income in order to be eligible for benefits.
These figures are based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines published in the US Department of Health and Human Services in the Federal Register. The state reserves the right to adjust these levels based on the availability of federal appropriations.
Low-Income Discount Program
Total Bill Discounts and Waivers of Deposits and Late Payment Fees
The Nicor Gas Low-Income Discount Program offers total bill discounts ranging from 5% to 77% to residential customers with qualifying incomes.
Who’s automatically enrolled and does not need to apply.
Customers receiving LIHEAP, PIPP, and Nicor Gas Sharing benefits or waivers of deposits and late payment fees.
Nicor Gas Low-Income Discount Program offers residential customers bill discounts from 5% to 77% and waives deposits and late payment fees for those with qualifying income.
To learn more and apply for total bill discounts and waivers, if you do not met the above automatic enrollment criteria, visit this online application form, which also is in a format that can be downloaded and submitted by mail, fax or phone.
Learn more: www.nicorgas.com/LIDP
How to Apply
- Step 1: Application
Contact your nearest Community Action Agency to find out if you qualify, what paperwork you need to bring to apply and to arrange an appointment to meet with an agency representative.- Community Action Agencies offices and phone numbers Call 833.711.0374.
- TDD for the hearing impaired: 800.785.6055.
- Seniors may contact the Illinois Department on Aging "Senior Hotline" at 800.252.8966 (voice and TDD) for a referral to their local Community Action Agency.
- Step 2: Notification
If eligible, you will be informed of the amount of assistance you can receive. The agency will notify your energy provider(s) of your participation in the program. - Step 3: Payment
The agency will make payments to the energy provider(s) on your behalf.
When applying for assistance, you will need to provide the following information/documents:
- A copy of your current gas bill
- Applicants that have their utilities included in the rent must bring proof of rental agreement stating monthly rental amount, that utilities are included, and landlord contract information. (Rent costs must be greater than 30% of current household 30-day income)
- A copy of your current lease/proof of residence
- A valid driver’s license
- Social Security card/numbers for all household members (Hard-copy Social Security cards, print-out from the Social Security Administration)
- Proof of 30-day income from all household members.
- If a member of your household receives TANF, you must bring their Medical Eligibility Card.
- A copy of your current gas bill
Where to Apply
To see if you are eligible for LIHEAP, contact an agency near you.
Champaign County Regional Planning Commission
|
Northwestern Illinois Community Action Agency
|
Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois
|
Project NOW
|
Community Action Partnership of Lake County
|
Rockford Human Services Department
|
Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc.
|
Tazwood Community Services
|
Community Contacts, Inc.
|
Tri-County Opportunities Council
|
DuPage County
|
Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials
|
East Central Illinois
|
Western Illinois Regional Council
|
Kendall-Grundy
|
Will County Center for Community Concerns
|
McHenry County
|
2025-2026 LIHEAP Income Guidelines
|
Family Size |
LIHEAP Maximum Monthly Income 300% FPL |
|
1 |
$3,990 |
|
2 |
$5,410 |
|
3 |
$6,830 |
|
4 |
$8,250 |
|
5 |
$9,670 |
|
6 |
$11,090 |
|
7 |
$12,510 |
|
8 |
$13,930 |
|
9 |
$15,350 |
|
10 |
$16,770 |
For each additional household member under 18 add $673
Need a payment arrangement?
In addition to energy assistance programs, we offer flexible payment arrangements.
Call us at 888.642.6748 to make a payment arrangement.
