Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois Announces the Start of the Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP is available for ALL income qualified households beginning September 1, 2021

[August 23, 2021]   Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois (CAPCIL), as administrator of the Home Energy Assistance Program in DeWitt, Logan, Mason, Menard, and Piatt Counties, is pleased to announce that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and electric bills and furnace assistance.

The program will begin September 1, 2021, for all income-eligible households. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through May 31, 2022. There will be no priority groups this program year. Customers can begin scheduling appointments on August 16, 2021. Households in need are encouraged to apply.

Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive a benefit from the LIHEAP Program. Beginning September 1, 2021there will be an option to accept a one-time payment to your utility provider, or to enroll in PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) which consists of a monthly benefit your provider will receive as long as you make your monthly payment that will be determined at the time of intake. PIPP is available for LIHEAP eligible households who are customers of one of the following utilities: Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shores Gas and Peoples Gas.

 PIPP applicants will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis and the program will be offered until March 31, 2022 or when CAPCIL has reached the maximum capacity of households for the program. The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP and PIPP are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income and the number of persons living in the household. The guidelines are as follows: 1-$2,147, 2-$2,903, 3-$3,660, 4-4,417. Go to www.capcil.info to know income limits for households with 5 members and more.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service. Propane customers are encouraged to apply when the program opens in September to take greater advantage of lower propane prices. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so by applying early propane users will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.

Applications will be taken at the DeWitt, Logan, Mason, Menard, and Piatt County Community Action Offices and through our agency website at www.capcil.info. Directions to apply for assistance will be listed under the Energy Services Department tab. For customers with safety concerns, phone appointments will be available upon request.

To submit an application, you MUST submit ALL documentation required:

1. Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.

2. Proof of Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without an SSN or ITIN can still apply, and CAPCIL will advise accordingly.

3. A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.

4. Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.

5. A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact.

Please call Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois at 217-732-2159 for outreach locations and schedules, and for information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit your application.

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