(CHICAGO) — The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is encouraging eligible families to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to support income eligible households with utility costs for natural gas, propane, and electricity. Applications opened October 1 and will remain open through August 15, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.
For many residents, there is an additional reason to apply for LIHEAP this year. Customers of these four natural gas utilities – Ameren, Nicor, North Shore Gas, and Peoples Gas – will automatically have their monthly gas bill reduced under the Low-Income Discount Rate program as long as they receive an annual LIHEAP benefit.
Eligible families can apply by visiting the DCEO website or by visiting their local agency. Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages. The energy bill assistance program offered through Help Illinois Families will provide $240 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane, electricity bills and furnace assistance.
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