Illinois Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Illinois’ Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps residents with low-income pay their energy bills. Managed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through local agencies, LIHEAP provides financial help to eligible families to cover heating, cooling, and energy-related emergencies. Since funding is limited, the amount you receive and how often you can get assistance depends on your county and available resources. 

How does Illinois LIHEAP work? 

In Illinois, LIHEAP is managed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Community Assistance. This program helps low-income households pay for home energy costs, mainly heating during the winter. Illinois residents may qualify if their household income is within the limits set each year by the Department of Commerce. Depending on your income, location, and available funding, local agencies may offer up to three kinds of energy assistance: 

• Direct Vendor Payment (DVP): A one-time payment made to your utility company to help with heating costs. Renters whose heat is included in rent may qualify for a cash payment instead. 

• Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP): Lets you pay a set percentage of your income each month toward your energy bill. You also get help paying off overdue bills when payments are made on time. New PIPP applications are paused from Oct. 1, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2026, but current participants can still renew. 

• Crisis Assistance: Helps during emergencies, such as when your heat is shut off or your furnace breaks. There are two types: 

• Reconnection Assistance: For households that are disconnected or about to lose heat. 

• Furnace Assistance: For homeowners without working heat. 

Who can get help from Illinois LIHEAP? 

To qualify for Illinois LIHEAP, there are a few requirements you must meet: 

• Your total household income for the past 30 days must be at or below the state’s income limit (60% of the state’s median income). Click here to see Illinois’ current LIHEAP income limits. 

• You must be responsible for paying your home’s heating or electric bill. 

• If your heat or electricity is included in your rent, you must show proof, such as your lease and your landlord’s contact information. 

• If you receive other benefits such as SNAP, you must show proof that your household gets these benefits. 

How do I apply for Illinois LIHEAP? 

To apply for Illinois LIHEAP, you must contact your county’s local LIHEAP agency. Once you contact them, an agent can help you fill out and submit your application. Applications are accepted from Oct. 1, 2025 to Aug. 15, 2026, or until funds run out. 

Along with your application, you may be required to present the following documents: 

• Proof of income (pay stubs, unemployment, or other income for all household members for the past 30 days) 

• Heating and/or electric bill in your name 

• Rental agreement or lease (if your heat is included in rent but you are applying for LIHEAP assistance) 

• Social Security number 

• Proof of other assistance (SNAP, Medicaid, or other benefits from the Illinois Department of Human Services) 

Note: Each county’s LIHEAP office may be different—some let you apply online, while others require you to apply in person. If you need assistance with completing and submitting your application, contact your local LIHEAP agency or the Office of Community Assistance’s call center at 1-833-711-0374 for help.

What happens after I apply for Illinois LIHEAP? 

After applying for LIHEAP, your local agency will review your application, confirm your eligibility, and determine your benefit amount based on the information you provide. If you do not hear back within three (3) weeks, contact your county agency directly. You can also check your application status online at any time using the application ID you received when you applied.

If you are approved, payments to you or your utility company will be made by the local agency within 45 days after your application is approved. 

For Reconnection Assistance, applications are usually approved within 48 hours. If a disconnection creates a life-threatening situation, approval and vendor notification happen within 18 hours. 

How can I get help with my application? 

There are several ways you can get help applying for Illinois LIHEAP. You can:  

• Contact your local LIHEAP agency. 

• Call the Illinois Office of Community Assistance’s call center at 1-833-711-0374.

• Ask a trusted family member or friend. 

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See if there’s one in your area. 

• NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559. 

What if I cannot get help from Illinois LIHEAP?  

1. Talk to your utility company 

Call your utility provider and explain that you are having trouble paying your energy bills. Many companies, like Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas, and Peoples Gas, have programs for low-income households that offer lower rates or payment plans. 

2. Look for other assistance programs in Illinois 

There are other local or state programs that help people pay energy bills, like the Low-Income Discounts Program. Contact your natural gas utility company or ComEd to request more information.  

3. Contact a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) 

These local centers help older adults and people with disabilities find programs to afford food, health care, and energy bills. You can contact a BEC in your area for guidance and support.