Heating Assistance in Illinois for Winter 2026-2027
Chicago, Ill. – If you’re struggling with rising utility costs this winter, assistance is on the way! Illinois is providing $240 million in utility bill assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
What Does LIHEAP Offer?
The state-funded program helps qualified households pay for:
- Natural gas
- Electricity
- Propane
- Emergency furnace repairs
Priority Application Schedule
To ensure that help reaches those in need, Illinois is introducing the following priority application schedule:
-
October 1, 2026:
Applications open for:- Seniors age 60 and older
- Individuals with disabilities
- Families with children age 5 or younger
- Households facing immediate utility disconnection or with less than 25% propane capacity
-
November 1, 2026:
Applications open for all other qualifying, income-eligible households.
Who Qualifies?
Families earning up to two times the federal poverty level can receive assistance. The income limits for 30-day gross income are as follows:
- 1 Person: $3,990
- Family of 2: $5,410
- Family of 3: $6,830
- Family of 4: $8,250
- Family of 5: $9,670
- Family of 6: $11,090
Last year, LIHEAP assisted over 360,000 Illinois households, with an average support of $676 per family. Payments are sent directly to energy service providers.
Application Timeline
Applications are open from now until August 13, 2027, or until funds are depleted.
How to Apply
Eligible residents can apply:
- Online: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website
- In Person: Visit a local community action agency
- By Phone: Call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance available in 30 languages.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity for vital support this winter!
