Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – State of Illinois | Alderman Bennett Lawson

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months). Energy costs can place severe and continuing stress on a family’s budget. In some instances, households are forced to make painful decisions regarding which bills to pay and which necessities to survive without. Illinois residents with a household income that does not exceed an amount determined annually by the Department of Commerce are eligible. Annual eligibility levels are determined based on available funding and may not exceed 150% of the federal non-farm poverty level.

See How to Apply for more information.

Download the Home Energy Savings brochure (English | Spanish)
Download the LIHEAP brochure (English | Spanish)
Download the LIHEAP Appeal Rights poster (English | Spanish)

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) is available for LIHEAP eligible households who are customers of one of the following utilities: Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas and Peoples Gas/North Shore Gas. Under PIPP, eligible households pay a percentage of their income; receive a monthly benefit towards their utility bill and, arrearage reductions for every on-time payment they make, if applicable. Starting October 1, 2019, PIPP applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis each month until available funding per county, per utility, and priority enrollment group is met. Applications for PIPP are taken from October 1- December 31, or until funding is exhausted. Some Local Administering Agencies may take PIPP applications starting in November or December due to available funding.