 This year, for the first time, some LIHEAP clients will have the
option of choosing between the traditional direct vendor payment
plan or the new percentage of income payment plan. The new plan is
available to eligible LIHEAP clients who are customers of Ameren
Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas and Peoples Gas/North Shore Gas. Under
the new plan, the eligible client will pay a percentage of their
income, receive a monthly benefit toward their utility bill and
receive a reduction in overdue payments for every on-time payment
they make by the bill due date. The traditional plan is a one-time
payment.
Due to the startup of the new
plan, 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:
-
Proof of gross
income from all household members for the 30-day period prior to
the application date.
-
A copy of current
heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days, if the
household pays for their energy directly.
-
A copy of their
rental agreement, if they are renting, showing that utilities
are included, along with 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. Through the program, 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; a family of three
can earn up to $2,316; and a family of four can earn 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.
[to top of second column] |
LIHEAP applications are processed through a network of 35 local
administering agencies around the state. These agencies will begin
accepting applications on Nov. 1 on a first-come, first-served basis
from all individuals eligible for LIHEAP assistance.
Priority enrollment for LIHEAP for eligible seniors and people
with disabilities began on Sept. 1. For households with children
under the age of 5, enrollment for LIHEAP assistance began on Oct.
1.
Customers will be served on a first-come, first-served basis
until funding is exhausted.
For a complete listing of LIHEAP's local administering agencies
and additional information about the program, go to
liheapillinois.com, or call the toll-free hotline at 1
877-411-WARM (877-411-9276).
[Text from
Illinois Department of
Commerce and Economic Opportunity
file received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
 |
