The Will County Center for Community Concerns (WCCCC), as the administrator of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Will County, Illinois, has allocated funds to assist households that meet income eligibility criteria with their expenses related to natural gas, propane, electricity bills, and furnace repairs for malfunctioning heating systems.
The LIHEAP program will start accepting applications from October 2, 2023, specifically catering to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with children under six years of age. Starting from Wednesday, November 1st, households facing utility disconnections, holding disconnection notices, or possessing less than 25% propane in their tanks will be eligible to apply for assistance. For all other income-eligible households, the application period will open on December 1, 2023.
How to apply for heating LIHEAP assistance in Will County, Illinois
Notably, there’s a change in the application deadline, which now extends to August 15th instead of the previous May 31st deadline, or until the funds are fully utilized. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis throughout this period, concluding on August 15, 2024. Households that have already received a one-time benefit can revisit during this timeframe for Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefits.
To qualify for LIHEAP benefits, households must have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. The 30-day income thresholds for LIHEAP are determined by a combination of Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income, and the number of individuals residing in the household. Here are the income guidelines:
- 1 person: $2,430
- 2 people: $3,287
- 3 people: $4,143
- 4 people: $5,000
- For households with five or more members, please visit liheapillinois.com or contact the Will County Center for Community Concerns to find out the income limits.
If you and your household qualify, you’ll be provided with a one-time assistance to eligible homeowners and renters to help cover their energy bills and reconnect energy services. Propane customers, particularly those in the priority group, are encouraged to apply when the program opens in October. Since propane prices tend to rise during the winter months, applying early will maximize the value of the LIHEAP benefit for propane customers.
Requirements to qualify for LIHEAP in Illinois
Applications for assistance can be conveniently submitted in various ways through WCCCC. One option is to apply in person, either at WCCCC’s main office or at one of their outreach locations, with details about these locations available on their website. Alternatively, applicants can choose to apply through email, drop off their application at a designated drop box, or send it via US mail.
Several documents and requirements will be requested, such as proof of gross income for all household members over the 30 days prior to the application date. It’s also essential to provide proof of Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for every member of your household. Even if someone in your household does not possess an SSN or ITIN, they can still apply, and WCCCC will offer guidance accordingly.
Additionally, applicants must include copies of their most recent heat and electric bills, issued within the past 30 days, and a rental agreement if they are renting. The rental agreement should indicate whether utilities are included, the monthly rental amount, and provide contact information for the landlord. Depending on your specific household situation, additional documents may be required, and if you have any queries regarding this, do not hesitate to contact the WCCCC office at 815-722-0722