Energy assistance available as temperatures drop    

[SEPT. 22, 2003]  SPRINGFIELD -- Area families should consider qualifying for the state's heating assistance program before the weather turns colder, according to Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield. Illinois' Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, will provide approximately $144 million in assistance to Illinois households this winter.

According to Bomke, one-person households qualify if they earn $1,123 or less in the 30 days prior to applying. The qualifying levels are $1,515 for two-person households and $2,300 for four-person households.

"LIHEAP is an excellent program to help families on limited incomes meet the additional financial demands of heating a home in the winter months," said Bomke. "Benefits are paid directly to your utility company, ensuring that your family will have heat throughout the winter months."

Additionally, LIHEAP families have protection from disconnected service during the cold, winter months. Under a new law (SB 1330/PA 93-289) approved this year and supported by Bomke, LIHEAP families cannot have their utilities disconnected due to nonpayment from Dec. 1 through March 3.

Enrollment is now open for the program, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (formerly the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs). Renters and homeowners with disconnected service or elderly or disabled residents may apply in September and October. All other households may apply beginning in November. Local agencies in each county administer the program for DCEO and work with the local utilities to determine eligibility and provide benefits.

Logan and Menard county residents should apply at Central Illinois Economic Development Corp., 1800 Fifth St., Lincoln; phone [phone]. Sangamon County residents should apply at the Sangamon County Department of Community Resources, 200 S. Ninth St., Room 311, Springfield; phone [phone].

Additional information on the LIHEAP program is available via the toll-free LIHEAP information line at 1 [phone] or on the Web at http://www.illinoisbiz.biz/com/
lowincome/LIHEAP.htm.

[News release from Sen. Larry Bomke]

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