As colder weather approaches, Illinois residents who may need help paying their utility bills can begin applying for assistance through the states Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Known as LIHEAP, the program helps eligible households pay for natural gas, propane and electricity. Illinois opened its 2026-27 application period Oct. 1 for older adults age 60 and older, people with disabilities, households with at least one child age 5 or younger and households facing certain utility emergencies. Residents whose utilities have already been disconnected, who have a disconnection date within seven days or who have less than 25% remaining in a propane tank are also eligible to apply during the first phase. All other income-eligible households can begin applying Nov. 1. The program is scheduled to remain open through Aug. 13, 2027, or until available funding is exhausted.
For customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas, household gross income for the 30 days before applying must generally be at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. For example, the current limit listed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is $3,990 in 30-day income for a one-person household, $5,410 for two people and $8,250 for a four-person household. Different income standards apply to customers of federally funded utilities and energy vendors.
Residents who rent may also qualify even if heat is included in their rent.The state advises applicants to have several documents ready, including proof of income for the previous 30 days, a recent heating or electric bill and identifying information for household members. Renters whose heating costs are included in their rent may also need a rental agreement showing the monthly rent, landlord contact information and which utilities are included.
Applicants can begin the process through Help Illinois Families or apply directly through their local administering agency. After an online Request for Services form is submitted, the local agency contacts the household to verify eligibility and determine the amount of any benefit. The state cautions that completing a request does not guarantee assistance. Eligibility must still be confirmed, and benefits remain subject to available funding.
Residents facing an immediate shutoff should not simply wait for the online process. DCEO advises customers who already have a disconnection notice or whose heat-related gas or electric service has been disconnected to contact their local agency directly. Applicants who submit a request and do not hear from their county agency within three weeks are also encouraged to contact the agency themselves.
LIHEAP customers of several major Illinois utilities may have another form of assistance available this year. DCEO says income-eligible customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas can receive monthly low-income utility discounts. Amerens new Electric Service Discount Program also took effect Oct. 1 and bases monthly payments on a percentage of income.
That means households that do not ultimately qualify for a traditional LIHEAP benefit may still want to ask their utility company about other income-based discount programs.
For those eligible now, however, waiting for the first large winter bill may not be the best strategy. LIHEAP funding is limited, and the program closes once those funds are exhausted.
The Help Illinois Families Call Center is available at 1-833-711-0374 for residents who need assistance completing the application process.