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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)

The LIHEAP program is designed to help customers who qualify based on income and number of people in the home for a one-time payment that is paid directly to their utility companies.  In some cases if there is funding available the program may be able to help with a shut off notice or propane costs if the tank is below 25%.  If your furnace is non-working and you own or are buying your home we may also be able to assist you.

The LiHeap Program will start on October 2, 2023 and end on August 15, 2024.  To make a LiHeap Appointment click here.

For the LIHEAP program year 2023- 2024, there is no summer assistance program. LIHEAP will start on October 2, 2023.

The program will begin taking applications on October 2, 2023 for seniors, the disabled and families with children under the age of six years.

On Wednesday, November 1st, households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank can start applying for assistance.

All other income eligible households can start applying December 1, 2023.

The program year will run from October 2, 2023 – August 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted.

The LIHEAP program is designed to help customers who qualify based on income and the number of people in the home for a one-time payment per program year that is paid directly to their utility/energy vendors.  The program may also help with disconnect notices or propane costs if the tank is at or below 25%.  

To apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

  1. Make an appointment by clicking here to meet with one of our LiHeap Staff Members.
  2. Provide the following required documents:  (We will make copies)
  • Copy of Social Security cards for everyone in the household.
  • Copy of Photo ID of anyone 18 years old or older that lives in the household
  • Copy of 30-day income. - Can be current social security letter, bank statement, paycheck stubs, and child support or retirement income.  This includes social security income for any child in the home.  If no income, you must fill out completely the Zero Income Form; sign and date if for anyone 18 years old or older.
  • Copy of current gas/electric/propane bill and current disconnect notice (if received)
  • Copy of Public Aid printout showing TANF and/or SNAP amounts.
  1. We need a complete file before we can start the potential funding process.
  2. Final eligibility for LiHeap is determined by the documents you provide.
  3. Payment is made directly to the utility.

WEATHERIZATION
Weatherization provide energy saving services to home owners who also qualify for LIHEAP.  You must own your home or have proof that you are buying the home.  We offer services such as furnaces repair or replacement, health and safety such as Smoke alarms and Carbon monoxide detectors, attic insulation, wall insulation, air sealing windows and doors, replacing broken glass in windows.  We currently have a two year waiting list but please call the office at 217-535-3120 and asked to be put on the list.  You will be notified when your name comes up.

LOW INCOME SEWER REBATE PROGRAM
This program can help those households in Sangamon County living in the Sangamon County Water Reclamation District and is also a one-time payment that is given at the time you apply for LIHEAP if you qualify.

For all programs listed you will need proof of income for anyone 18 and over in the household, Social Security cards for everyone in household, proof of any other income like SSA, SSI, Disability regardless of age, picture ID for those 18 and over, current bills or old bills that you may need help with and other application requests.  Please call the number above to find out more about these programs.

2023 Income Guidelines for the 2024 Program Year

Family Size 200% 30 Day Income 200% Annual Income
1 $2,430 $29,160
2 $3,287 $39,440
3 $4,143 $49,720
4 $5,000 $60,000
5 $5,857 $70,280
6 $6,713 $80,560
7 $7,570 $90,840
8 $7,775 $93,298
9 $7,944 $95,326
10 $8,113 $97,355
11 $8,282 $99,383
12 $8,890 $106,680
13 $9,533 $114,390
14 $10,175 $122,100
15 $10,818 $129,810
16 $11,460 $137,520
17 $12,103 $145,230
18 $12,745 $152,940

For families with more than 18 persons, add $643 for each additional person. $7,710

These figures are based on the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines published in the US Department of Health and Human Services in the Federal Register/Volume 88/Number 12/January 19, 2023. Given that HHS allows 150% of FPG or 60% of SMI, where 200% of FPG is lower than 60% of SMI the program will be using 200% of FPG as our highest category. However, for the household size of 8 to 11 members, the benefit at 200% would exceed the allowable 60% SMI. For households larger than 11 members, the 150% will be set as the maximum income eligibility criteria. The state reserves the right to adjust these levels based on the availability of federal appropriations.