Senator Paul Faraci of Illinois is pushing legislation to extend the energy assistance law known as LIHEAP, or the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). Faraci’s measure proposes to eliminate the scheduled expiration date for a state fund that finances the energy assistance program for low-income households and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan. Currently, the fund is scheduled to close on January 1, 2025.
Both programs provide assistance for low-income residential utility customers to pay energy bills. Eligible households can receive these financial funds to avoid the termination of their electric services and thus avoid the risk of suffering excessive cold in the cold months or heatstroke in the hot months.
Illinois House Bill 4471 was approved this week by the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
How does the LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program Work in Illinois?
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, helps low-income households in Illinois and virtually all states in the United States to pay for home energy services, especially heating during winter months or cooling during hot months.
The cost of energy can create such severe pressure that some families are forced to make painful decisions about which bills to pay and what needs to survive during extreme weather months.
Resident families in Illinois that do not exceed a certain amount annually determined by the Department of Commerce are eligible. Annual eligibility levels are determined based on available funds and cannot exceed 200% of the federal non-farm poverty level.
Federal poverty guidelines in 2023 for 200% of poverty for the 2024 program year are as follows:
| Family size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,430 | $29,160 |
| 2 | $3,287 | $39,440 |
| 3 | $4,143 | $49,720 |
| 4 | $5,000 | $60,000 |
| 5 | $5,857 | $70,280 |
| 6 | $6,713 | $80,560 |
| 7 | $7,570 | $90,840 |
| 8 | $7,775 | $93,298 |
To apply, you must visit the program’s official website and submit the following documents, including but not limited to:
- Proof of income from the last 30 days via pay stubs, checks, or copies of checks showing fixed income. Social security benefits, veteran affairs, DHS, and more are also considered. You must also provide a copy of the most recent electric bill. The bill in question must be issued within the last 30 days if energy was paid directly.
- You must also provide the Social Security card of ITIN (for residents) if you have one. Residents without a Social Security number can still apply, and the local administering agency will inform them how to proceed with the process.
- Another document you must provide is a copy of the rental agreement in case of renting, showing that heating or cooling services are included in the monthly rent amount.
Also include contact information for the owner in case the entity needs to verify the accuracy of this information. Finally, provide evidence of receiving other benefits, such as medical eligibility, SNAP benefits, or assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Community Action Agencies/Local Administering Agencies To Deliver Your LIHEAP Application
You may be eligible to receive financial assistance for the following services in the local Community Action Agencies or Local Administering Agencies:
- Rental Assistance
- Food
- Energy Utility Bill Assistance
- Employment Training/Placement
- Financial Management
- Temporary Shelter
If you are interested in these services, click on the county you reside in this website, or use the map to contact a local representative.