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How To Apply
Please visit helpillinoisfamilies.com during your application month to fill out and submit an online Request for Services form. The program will begin taking applications on October 1, 2026, for older adults (age 60 and older), individuals with a disability, families with children 5 years old and under, and households that are disconnected from their utilities/energy vendors, have a disconnect date within 7 days or have less than 25% in their propane tank can start applying for LIHEAP assistance. All other income eligible households can start applying on November 1, 2026. After your Request for Services form has been submitted, await an email or phone call from your local agency to review and confirm your eligibility and to determine the amount of your LIHEAP benefit. If you haven’t heard from your county agency regarding your request after 3 weeks, you should make direct contact with them (find your county agency here). If you have a disconnect notice with a disconnect date, and/or if you are already disconnected from your heat-related gas and/or electric, call your county agency directly.
If you need assistance with completing and submitting your Request for Services form, contact the call center at 1-833-711-0374 for live support.
You can also apply through your local agency directly. Please refer to the "Where to Apply" to locate the appropriate local agency for your county.
Income eligible LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas will receive a monthly discount on their natural gas bill through the new Low Income Discounts (LIDs). Beginning October 1, 2026, Ameren will implement the Electric Service Discount Program (ESD). This new Ameren program is designed to make electric bills more affordable and the customer’s monthly payment is based on a percentage of your income. For more information - Power Bill Discount.
Households who don’t qualify for LIHEAP assistance may still be eligible for savings through the Low Income Discounts program. Contact your natural gas utility company or ComEd to request more information. After you’ve applied and you have a seven-digit “Application ID” (that starts with a 8), you can obtain the status of an application and use the web link https://liheap2025.ilenergyassistance.com/customerinquiry/ or call the Help Illinois Families Call Center at 1-833-711-0374.
When:
The LIHEAP application period is October 1, 2026, to August 13, 2027, or until funding is exhausted.
See below for more information on when you can apply for assistance.
| Beginning October 1, 2026 | Older adults (age 60 and older), individuals with a disability, households with at least one child age 5 years and under, households that are disconnected from their utilities/energy vendors, have a disconnect date within 7 days or have less than 25% in their propane tank |
| Beginning November 1, 2026 | All other income eligible households can start applying for LIHEAP assistance. |
Income Eligibility:
Households that are customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas must have a combined income for the 30 days prior to application (gross income, before taxes are deducted) at or below the 300% Federal Poverty Guidelines* as shown in the chart below, you may be eligible to receive assistance. If you rent, and your heat is included in the rent, you may be eligible for a LIHEAP benefit.
2026 300% Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2027 Program Year
| Family Size | 30 Day Income | Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,990 | $47,880 |
| 2 | $5,410 | $64,920 |
| 3 | $6,830 | $81,960 |
| 4 | $8,250 | $99,000 |
| 5 | $9,670 | $116,040 |
| 6 | $11,090 | $133,080 |
| 7 | $12,510 | $150,120 |
| 8 | $13,930 | $167,160 |
*Program Year 2027 Income Guidelines are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines. Households that are customers of federal funded utilities/energy vendors must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income to receive a LIHEAP benefit. The state reserves the right to adjust these levels based on the availability of federal appropriations.
Documentation to Prove Eligibility:
What documentation do I need to prove eligibility? For each household member, please have the following documents ready for your local agency to verify your eligibility:
- Proof of past 30-day income through paystub, check or copy of check showing fixed income amount (e.g. SSA, VA, DHS benefits), or other proof of documentation for any income source,
- Copy of most recent bill for heating (usually gas, propane or electric) and/or electric bill issued within the last 30 days (if energy directly paid for).
- Social security card or ITIN for residents who have them. Residents without ITIN or SSN can still apply and your Local Administering Agency will advise accordingly.
- A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that heating utility(ies) is/are included, the monthly rental amount, and landlord contact information.
- Proof the household received TANF or other benefits, such as Medical Eligibility or SNAP, if receiving assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services.