Utility Bill Assistance

Find your local Agency. Enter your address above. Your Agency takes the application and works with your utility for you.

Gather your documents.

• Proof of income for the last 30 days for everyone in the household
• A recent heating bill and electric bill
• Social Security numbers or ITINs for household members who have them, though you can still apply without
• Your lease, if you rent and heat is included

Apply early. October 1 for older adults 60 and over, people with a disability, households with a child 5 or under, and anyone disconnected, facing disconnection within 7 days, or below 25% in the propane tank. November 1 for all other income eligible households. Applications close when funding runs out.

What You Get

A LIHEAP payment sent straight to your energy vendor and credited to your account.

A monthly discount of 5% to 83% off every bill for customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, and North Shore Gas. Lower incomes get bigger discounts.

One application. LIHEAP approval is the only way into the discount, so applying once does both.

Who Qualifies

LIHEAP is open to income eligible households across Illinois. The monthly discount is limited to five utilities.

• Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas. A LIHEAP benefit plus the monthly discount. Income limit is 300% of the federal poverty guidelines.
• Every other utility or fuel dealer. A LIHEAP benefit. Income limit is 60% of state median income.

Renting does not disqualify you. If heat is included in your rent, you may still be eligible.

Applying is free. No one should ever charge you a fee for LIHEAP or for the discount.