For many Illinois households, energy costs place a severe and continuing stress on the family's budget. In some instances, the household is forced to make painful decisions regarding which bills to pay and which necessities to survive without. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to help eligible low-income households pay for winter energy services.

LIHEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the state of Illinois. Energy assistance is provided by local community action agencies or not-for-profit agencies throughout the state. You may contact the agency provider in your area to apply for assistance.

LIHEAP will provide a one-time benefit to eligible households to be used for energy bills. The amount of the benefit is determined by income, household size, fuel type and geographic location. An overdue bill or cut-off notice is not required. You do not have to own your home or pay energy bills directly to be eligible for assistance. Your source of fuel does not have to be natural gas or electricity in order to receive assistance.

Emergency assistance may be available if your household is disconnected from an energy source needed for heating and/or a delivered-fuel supplier has refused to deliver, and the tank contains 10% or less.

Assistance for reconnection will only be provided to households that have made a good faith effort to maintain their energy services, or can that pay a portion of the amount owed for reconnection.