Illinois announces start of home heating assistance enrollment | News

SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Energy Assistance announced Friday that seniors and people with disabilities can begin applying for winter heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) on September 1.

Officials say for the first time, some LIHEAP clients will have the option of choosing between the traditional Direct Vendor Payment (DVP) plan or the new Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). PIPP is available to eligible LIHEAP clients who are customers of Ameren Illinois. Under PIPP, eligible clients will pay a percentage of their income, receive a monthly benefit towards their utility bill, and receive a reduction in overdue payments for every on-time payment they make by the bill due date. The traditional DVP plan is a one-time payment.

Due to the start-up of PIPP, LIHEAP clients may experience longer wait times when applying for assistance, but should ultimately receive better service delivery.

Clients must bring all required documentation when applying for assistance including:

-Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30-day period prior to the application date.

-A copy of their current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days (if they pay for their energy directly).

-A copy of their rental agreement (if they are renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact information.

-Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members.

-Proof that their household received TANF or other benefits, such as Medical Eligibility or SNAP, if receiving assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services.

LIHEAP is a state and federally funded energy assistance program for low income families in which heating bill payments are made on behalf of households.  A single-person household can qualify with a monthly income of up to $1,361; a two-person household up to $1,839; and a family of four up to $2,794. Benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of eligible households. The exception is households whose heating costs are included in their rent.

LIHEAP applications are processed through a network of 35 administering agencies around the state. According to officials, these agencies will accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis from elderly and people with disabilities for the month of September.

Appointments to apply for LIHEAP will begin October 1 for households with children under the age of five.

Individuals not eligible for priority enrollment can apply beginning November 1.

For more informaiton contact the Shawnee Development Council, Inc. Outreach Office at 618-833-7431.

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