A bill currently in the pipeline in Springfield aims to expand access to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Illinois to a greater number of people.
This plan proposes to extend LIHEAP eligibility to individuals residing in subsidized housing and those whose rental expenses do not exceed 30% of their household income. In addition, this modification could benefit those who are not directly customers of energy services, but who pay for these services through their monthly rent.
Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) noted that under the bill, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity would limit the granting of LIHEAP benefits to one person per household. With this change, the aim is to prevent several people living in the same house from receiving these funds, which removes the possibility for other families to apply for financial support from LIHEAP.
House Bill 4141 passed unanimously in the Senate Energy and Utilities Committee on Thursday morning. Now, the proposal advances to the full Senate for review and possible approval, having been unanimously endorsed by state representatives on April 15.
Illinois House Bill 4141: A Summary of the Proposed Amendments to the Energy Assistance Act
House Bill 4141, known as HB4141 Engrossed, is at the center of the discussions in Illinois, as it proposes significant changes to the Energy Assistance Act. This legislation, if passed, would directly impact state residents seeking energy support. The following is a summary of the proposed amendments:
Eligibility and Conditions of Participation: It is proposed to maintain eligibility for energy assistance to Illinois residents whose household income does not exceed a limit determined annually by the Department, in consultation with the Policy Advisory Council.
This limit may not be higher than 150% of the federal non-agricultural poverty level or 60% of the state median income. However, during a specific period until June 2021, a temporary limit of up to 200% of said poverty level is contemplated.
Energy Assistance: Applicants who qualify according to the established criteria will receive energy assistance subject to the availability of funds allocated by the General Assembly. The Department will determine the amounts of assistance for each qualified applicant, prioritizing those households with higher energy costs relative to their income. Factors such as household size, family income and region of the state will also be considered when determining individual benefits.
Priorities and Additional Benefits: Priority is established for the allocation of funds to households with the lowest incomes, households with elderly people, households with children under 6 years of age and households with people with disabilities during a priority implementation period.
In addition, additional benefits are contemplated such as the reduction of outstanding debts with energy suppliers, assistance to face excessively high energy costs and energy conservation measures and installation of renewable technologies.
House Bill 4141 seeks not only to provide energy assistance to those who need it most, but also to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in the state of Illinois. Its potential impact on residents’ quality of life and on the local energy landscape makes it a topic of interest and debate in the Illinois legislative sphere.
How to Apply for LIHEAP Energy Assistance in Illinois?
The first thing we must establish is that online applications are no longer available, because they closed on April 19th. However, until August 15th you can apply through your local administrative agency, or until the funds are exhausted. Go to Find my Local Agency to locate your LIHEAP Local Administering Agency.
Is your household income within 200% of the federal poverty level? If your total household income in the last 30 days (before taxes) is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, you may be eligible for assistance:
| Family Size (total number in household) |
30-Day Gross Income Total to Meet Eligibility |
| 1 | $2,430 |
| 2 | $3,287 |
| 3 | $4,143 |
| 4 | $5,000 |
| 5 | $5,857 |
| 6 | $6,713 |
*For households larger than 6 members, please contact your local agency.
You will be asked for documents such as proof of income for the last 30 days, by release receipt, checks or copies of paychecks showing the amount of income (for example, SSA, VA, DHS benefits, or more), or other proof of documentation for any source of income, utility bill if you are looking for assistance with the utility bill or lease if you are looking for rental assistance and a social security card or ITIN for residents who have them. Residents without an ITIN or SSN can still apply.
You may also need to provide the Social Security numbers of all members living in your household, to ensure not only that the applicant qualifies, but that the other members are not getting the same kind of help.