Application period opens for federal government's LIHEAP program. Here's what you need to know

Zach Roth, State Journal-Register
·3 min read

On Thursday, the application period for the federal government's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program opened for people looking for some relief on high home heating and cooling costs.

For those interested in signing up for the LIHEAP program – and those who are curious about what it is – here are things to know about the LIHEAP program.

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What is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP is a program that provides a series of block grants to all 50 states, the District of Columbia and territories such as Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and also Native American tribes.

The block grants are then distributed to people in need of help with their utility bills through local government agencies.

Who is eligible for LIHEAP?

Household income level determines eligibility for receive LIHEAP funds. This is defined as being at an amount at or below 200% of the poverty level.

For instance, a family of four would have to earn less than $55,500 before filing taxes in order to qualify. Beyond eight-person households, each additional resident represents $7,080.

Priority can be given to those who have the highest need in terms of household income or who have excessively high home energy costs.

How much is allocated to Illinois from the program?

Illinois will receive $300 million from the program that will be distributed by the state and local providers. Each person who applies receives a one-time payment from the participating local agency.

What do I need to sign up?

Several documents are required to prove eligibility for the program.

  • A paystub or check showing a monthly fixed income

  • A copy of the most recent heating and electrical bill

  • A social security card or taxpayer ID number (ITIN)

  • For renters, a copy of the rental agreement containing utilities and the monthly rent

  • Proof of temporary assistance or other benefits

Each member of the household needs to provide this information to the local agency.

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How do I sign up?

People who may be eligible for the program can sign up through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity at helpillinoisfamilies.com. They can also sign up through these local agencies:

  • Sangamon County: The Sangamon County Department of Community Resources provides applications for those seeking to do it by hand. The office is at 2833 South Grand Ave. E., Suite C100. Call 217-535-3120 for more information.

  • Logan and Menard counties: The Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois provides a form that people can fill out online or by hand and e-mail or drop it off at the main office in Lincoln or the Menard County facility in Petersburg. Call 217-935-2455 for more information.

  • Morgan, Cass and Scott counties: MCS Community Services is an agency run through the Morgan County government. Call to schedule an appointment at 217-243-9404.

  • Macoupin and Greene counties: The Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation provides an online form for people to fill out and send in before going to the main office in Gillespie. Call 217-839-4431 for more information.

  • Christian and Montgomery counties: C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation provides an online form to fill out. Call 217-342-2193 for more information.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Here's what you need to know about the federal government's LIHEAP program