Illinois households that waited out the first month can now apply for winter bill help. Since Nov. 1, the state’s $240 million Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been open to every income-eligible household, and applications run through Aug. 13, 2027, or sooner if the money runs out, according to WMBD.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) lists the same application window on its how-to-apply page. The program covers natural gas, electricity and propane bills, plus emergency furnace repairs.
Who Got to Apply First
The rollout came in two steps. On Oct. 1, applications opened for adults 60 and older, people with disabilities, families with a child age 5 or younger, and households facing immediate disconnection or running below 25% propane, WMBD reported.
Illinois is not the only state putting winter help in place, as Ohio’s winter crisis program offers up to $1,200 toward fuel for families facing a shut-off. Anyone readying a house for the cold can also pick up ideas from these energy-efficient home improvement tips…