Low-income households in Elmhurst, Villa Park and Oakbrook Terrace can start applying Thursday, Oct. 1, for state help paying their heating and electric bills through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The statewide program will distribute $240 million to help families cover natural gas, propane and electricity costs, Shaw Local reported, citing a news release from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Homeowners with broken furnaces can also apply for repair assistance.
Not everyone can apply right away.
The Oct. 1 opening is reserved for priority households: adults 60 and older, people with disabilities, and families with children 5 or younger. It also covers households that have been disconnected from utilities, received a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. That priority group is expected to represent more than half of all applicants, according to the DCEO.
All other income-eligible households can begin applying Nov. 1.
DuPage County Community Services administers the program locally. Applications are taken at 421 N. County Farm Road, third floor, in Wheaton. Township offices also accept applications, including York Township at 1502 S. Meyers Road in Lombard and Addison Township at 401 Addison Road in Addison, according to the DuPage County announcement.
Residents can call 630-407-6500 or 800-942-9412 (toll-free) to schedule an October appointment at the county offices.
The program has expanded eligibility this year. Customers of ComEd, Nicor Gas, Ameren Illinois, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas may qualify if their household income falls at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines, according to DuPage County.
The DCEO website lists 30-day gross income limits for the standard tier: $3,990 for a one-person household, $5,410 for two people, $6,830 for three and $8,250 for four.
Gov. JB Pritzker said in the DCEO news release that the program helps eligible families afford heating through winter. He added that no working family should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table.
Applicants need proof of gross income for all household members over the prior 30 days. They also need proof of Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers for everyone in the household, plus a copy of current heat and electric bills from the last 30 days. People without an SSN or ITIN may still apply, according to DuPage County.
Income-eligible ComEd and Nicor Gas customers who receive LIHEAP will also get a monthly discount on their utility bills through the Low-Income Discount Rates program.
Applications run through Aug. 13, 2027, or until funding runs out. Families can also apply at dceo.illinois.gov or call 1-833-711-0374 for help in 30 languages.
