(CHICAGO) — The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) are encouraging eligible families to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support income eligible households with utility costs for natural gas, propane, and electricity. Applications will open October 1, 2026, and will remain open through August 13, 2027, or until funds are exhausted.
Beginning October 1, eligible families can apply by visiting the DCEO website or by visiting their local agency. DCEO has named Will County Center for Community Concerns as the administrator of LIHEAP and the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) for Kankakee County beginning October 1.
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.
“Numerous families throughout Illinois have received much-needed utility bill assistance through LIHEAP over the years,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “I encourage Illinoisans to check their eligibility and prepare to apply as this critical program begins accepting applications October 1.”
The priority application system will ensure families most in need are able to apply first. The first group eligible to apply is expected to represent more than half of households that apply for the program. The program will begin taking applications on October 1, 2026, for (i) older adults (60 years +), (ii) individuals with a disability, (iii) families with children five years old or younger and (iv) households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25-percent in their propane tank. All other income eligible households can start applying November 1, 2026.
Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support
