Utility Bill Assistance

Help with your energy bills, plus a discount every month.

Find Your Local Community Action Agency

Find Your Local Agency

How to Apply

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 10 days, or with 25% or less in the propane tank. November 1 for all other income eligible households. Applications close when funding runs out.

Who Qualifies and What You Get

LIHEAP is open to income eligible households across Illinois. Every approved household gets a LIHEAP payment sent straight to its energy vendor. Customers of the utilities below can also get a lower monthly bill.

Your utility	What you get	Income limit
Ameren Illinois natural gas, ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas	LIHEAP payment plus 5% to 83% off every monthly bill. Lower incomes get bigger discounts.	300% of the federal poverty guidelines
Ameren Illinois electric	LIHEAP payment plus a discounted bill if your estimated annual electric bill is greater than 3% of your household’s income	300% of the federal poverty guidelines
Every other utility or fuel dealer	LIHEAP payment	60% of state median income

One application. LIHEAP approval also qualifies you for your utility’s discount. You apply once for both.

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 discounts.

Disclaimer: This website is owned and maintained by IACAA. Information provided applies to Illinois residents only and is subject to change based on state laws, regulations, and eligibility criteria.