The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program offers assistance to low-income households to better afford the rising cost of energy through direct financial assistance, energy counseling, outreach, and education. Particular emphasis is placed on serving the elderly, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals in our seven county service area of Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie, and Shelby counties in Illinois.

LIHEAP will provide a one-time payment for eligible households to be used for energy bills. The amount of payment is determined by household size, fuel type, and the household's 30-day income.  If you rent and your utilities are included in your rent, you must pay more than 30% of your income in order to receive a benefit from the program. Reconnection assistance may be available if the household is disconnected from an energy source needed for heating and/or a delivered fuel supplier has refused to deliver and the tank contains 25% or less. The program also includes an emergency furnace repair or replacement component for homeowners.

Funding is provided by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services by a Block Grant and by the State of Illinois. It is administered by the Office of Energy Assistance at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. More information is available at www.liheapillinois.com on the web.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

If your household's combined income is at or below 150% of the poverty level guidelines, you may be eligible to receive assistance under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Eligibility is based on the entire household's gross income for the 30 days immediately preceeding the application date.

The following income guidelines are effective for Program Year 2009 and are in effect from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  For each additional household member add $450. There will be new guidelines for FY 2010.

For more information about the LIHEAP program call us at (217) 342-2193 extension 127.

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