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SCAM ALERT: DCEO has been made aware of organizations receiving fraudulent “notice of award” letters claiming to be from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. These are not legitimate notices from DCEO. If your organization receives a notice, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Utility Bill Assistance

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 60% of the state median income. 

Energy assistance builds on the administration’s Help Illinois Families initiative, created in 2020 to help reach an unprecedented number of families in crisis and needing financial assistance for utility bills and other household expenses due to the pandemic. For more, visit helpillinoisfamilies.com

See How to Apply for more information.

For a complete list of LIHEAP application agencies based on county, see Where to Apply.  For additional program information check out the Frequently Asked Questions. Or call Help Illinois Families call center at 1-833-711-0374.

Check the status of your LIHEAP application

  

HOME ENERGY RESOURCES
Watch a video from Citizens Utility Board on how to save energy in your home. 

For more videos about your utility bill and saving money and energy visit: 

For more information contact: 

Office of Community Assistance

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

1-833-711-0374