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 Through Governor Pritzker’s Help Illinois Families
program, DCEO has launched over $295 million in utility assistance
programming available for low-income households across the state and
is accepting applications now through May 31, 2022, while funds
remain.
Since the program first launched in September, over $84 million in
payments have been approved for 77,000 households through the
Low-income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Today, more
than $200 million remains available to help cover the cost of
heating and energy bills, including expanded benefits provided this
year from $750 to $1,000 in payments available, on average per
household, allowing more assistance to Illinois families for
utilities this season than ever before.
Additional funding to offset utility costs for low income families
comes at a critical time, as customers are expected to face higher
costs to heat their homes this season. Nearly half of all US
households are expected to face higher costs on service this year,
according to the Energy Information Association (EIA).
“While everyday household costs are increasing – we want Illinois
families to know that help is available, and that they don’t have to
struggle alone,” said DCEO Deputy Director David Wortman. “Thanks to
Governor Pritzker’s leadership – Illinois has significantly expanded
utility assistance to reach more families in need, and to help
alleviate the significant burdens facing our communities as a result
of the pandemic. With state assistance more accessible than ever
before, we encourage residents to act now and apply for this
assistance today, while funds remain available.”
The State of Illinois and partners at the Citizens Utility Board
(CUB) are urging residents to take advantage of LIHEAP while funds
remain available, and to avoid delaying payments on billing while
the annual shut-off moratorium is underway (Dec. 1 – March 31). To
help residents take advantage of LIHEAP, the State and CUB are
teaming up to host two free virtual events, in English and Spanish,
to assist residents with applying for Help Illinois Families. These
events will provide an overview of the program, as well as a live
question and answer session allowing residents to get their
questions answered in real-time.
"Home heating prices are skyrocketing, but we've got a message for
Illinois families who have fallen on hard times: You can ease the
financial pain of this winter," CUB Executive Director David Kolata
said.
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"During the pandemic, Gov. Pritzker's Administration has made
historic levels of assistance available for Illinois consumers struggling to
afford their electric and natural gas bills, and it's our mission to get the
word out. It's in everyone's best interest to keep seniors and families safe and
connected to the utility service we all need.”
More information on how to register for the free, community
events can be found below. Both events will also be streamed live on Facebook.
• Nov 17 at 6pm – English, Registration: (LINK)
• Nov 18 at 6pm – Spanish, Registration: (LINK)
Launched in September of this year, the current 2021-2022 Help Illinois Families
program year provides $336 million in household assistance for low-income
families – including $295 million for LIHEAP utility bill assistance. Funded in
large part by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), this year’s FY 22 investment
represents a record-level of funding available to help Illinois residents offset
the costs of utility bills.
To address the burdens facing families during the pandemic, the Pritzker
administration has worked to broaden access to community assistance programs by
increasing funds available, expanding income thresholds, and providing
flexibility so that undocumented families are eligible.
Households at 200% federal poverty level or below are income-eligible. Visit
www.helpillinoisfamilies.com
for additional information.
Utility relief made available during the current program year 2021-2022 builds
on a record seen last year – with over $343 million in assistance provided for
289,000 families statewide. This includes $112 million deployed as part of the
Utility Disconnection Avoidance Program, launched by the State of Illinois in
collaboration with utility service providers, to grant relief for 121,000+
families facing shutoffs due to inability to pay during the early months of the
pandemic.
To apply, please go to DCEO's website, helpillinoisfamilies.com, or contact the
hotline service providing real-time assistance in over 30 languages at
1-833-711-0374.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |
