The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance to help customers on limited incomes pay their energy bills.
For eligible households, there are two different ways to receive assistance under LIHEAP:
- Direct vendor payment - a once-a-year grant for customers who currently have service;
- Reconnection assistance - a once-a-year grant that helps disconnected customers reestablish service.
Apply for LIHEAP this fall.
Oct. 1 - Open to seniors, disabled and families with children under 6, as well as households with disconnected energy services (or within seven days of the disconnection of service).
Nov. 1 - Open to all. Enrollment remains open until Aug. 15 or until funds are exhausted.
LIHEAP eligibility
Eligibility and the amount of grants depend on household size and the last 30 days of gross household income prior to filing an application.
| Family Size |
30-Day Income |
Annual Income |
| 1 |
$2,510 |
$30,120 |
| 2 |
$3,407 |
$40,880 |
| 3 |
$4,303 |
$51,640 |
| 4 |
$5,200 |
$62,400 |
| 5 |
$6,097 |
$73,160 |
| 6 |
$6,993 |
$83,920 |
| 7 |
$7,890 |
$94,680 |
| 8 |
$8,427 |
$101,127 |
The State of Illinois has created a new website to allow residents to pre-apply.
Customers can fill out information on the website and it will be forwarded to the appropriate agency.
Visit Helpillinoisfamilies.com.
To Apply For LIHEAP
Applications are taken by appointment. Call the Community Action Partnership of Lake County at 847-249-4330 for more information and to make an appointment.
By applying for LIHEAP, you may also be qualified for the Low Income Discount (LID) program. Go to the LID page to learn more.
Applicants are required to submit:
- Proof of household income or any financial assistance for the past 30 days for all members of the household over age 18;
- Your current residential heating bill;
- Proof of social security numbers for all household members;
- A medical eligibility card for any member of your household receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); and
- Your rental agreement, in cases where utilities are included in the rent.
