Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois Announces July 27 Start of LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program

 

[July 15, 2020] 

The Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois has announced that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will begin taking applications for income eligible households this year beginning July 27, 2020.

There will be no priority groups under the new program year.

Households in need of energy assistance, especially those with disconnection notices, high past due balances and the general population that has been most likely affected by wage fluctuations due to COVID-19 are encouraged to apply. In addition, propane customers are strongly encouraged to apply in August when prices are at its lowest.

CAPCIL is one of several agencies in the State of Illinois that offers energy assistance through the LIHEAP program. LIHEAP is a federally and state funded program that assists customers with energy payments made directly to the vendor. CAPCIL will be offering the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) program, Furnace Assistance (to restore heat), and Weatherization services as well. The service area for LIHEAP/
Weatherization assistance includes DeWitt, Logan, Mason, Menard, and Piatt counties.

CAPCIL requires all applicants to bring in the proper documentation when applying for assistance. Applicants must bring in social security cards for all household members, proof of income for the 30 days prior to and including the date of application for all household members, and their most recent gas and/or electric bill.

The 30-day income guidelines have increased and are now based on 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and the number of persons living in the household.

These guidelines are as follows:

1- $2,127
2-$2,873
3-$3,620
4-$4,367

(add $747 for each additional household member)

Applications are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding is available through June 30, 2021 or until funding is exhausted.

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) program is a bill payment program that assists eligible customers by paying a monthly state benefit while the customer pays a percentage of their household income. Eligible households must be a customer of Ameren Illinois or Nicor Gas utilities. PIPP applicants will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis and the program will be offered until CAPCIL has reached the maximum capacity of households for the program. The 30-day income guidelines for PIPP are based on 150% of the Federal

Poverty Level and the number of persons living in the household.

The guidelines are as follows:

1-$1,595
2-$2,155
3-$2,715
4-$3,275

(add $560 for each additional household member)

Individuals who meet the qualifications can start contacting Community Action on Monday, July 20, 2020 by calling 217-732-2159 for an appointment or go to our website at www.capcil.info/book-online to schedule your own appointment.

[Breann Titus
Director of Agency Development
Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois]