The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has announced that winter heating assistance is still available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Heating assistance and Re-connection Assistance applications will be processed through May 31st or until funding is exhausted.
Those needing assistance in Ford, Iroquois or Vermilion Counties should contact the East Central Illinois Community Action Agency to make an appointment.
‘’We understand we’re coming out of an extremely cold winter and Illinois residents’ heating bills are probably higher than they anticipated,’’ said Erin Guthrie, Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. ‘’This program was created to help our most vulnerable residents remain healthy, safe and warm during the winter months,’’ added Guthrie.
A single-person household can qualify with a monthly gross income of up to $1,518; a two-person household can receive up to $2,058 a month; a family of three can earn up to $2,598; and a family of four can earn up to $3,138 a month and still qualify for assistance. The payments are made directly to the power company.
Applications are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The East Central Community Agency Agency says appointments are already full through mid-April.
