LIHEAP: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The Illinois Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to assist eligible low income households pay for winter energy services. LIHEAP will provide a one-time benefit to eligible households to be used toward their electric and gas bills. The amount of payment is determined by income, household size, fuel type, and geographic location.  The Ela Township Administration department can assist Township residents who qualify for the program with the application process.

LIHEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the state of Illinois. The program is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCEO). Energy Assistance is provided by local community action agencies or not-for-profit agencies throughout the state. To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Illinois and you must need financial assistance with home energy costs. A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as SNAP, SSI, TANF, automatically meets the eligibility requirement.

The 2025 LIHEAP program year will begin on October 1, 2024, and will be available until August 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.  LIHEAP registration will be by appointment only beginning September 23, 2024.  There will only be 1 priority month which will be October for seniors, people who receive SSA/SSI or people with children 6 and under.  All other households may apply as of November 1, 2024.  Please contact the Administration department at (847)438-7823 to make an appointment with one of our staff.

When you come to your appointment, please bring the head of household drivers license and social security card; social security cards for everyone residing in the household; proof of 30 days of income for everyone in the home over the age of 18 (Social Security, Unemployment, and Child Support are considered income); if you are a zero income household please bring your SNAP notice of decision letter from DHS; and most recent ComEd and Nicor bills.  Please note, CAPLC will process applications as fast as possible, but it does take 6 - 8 weeks for processing and an additional 90 days to see the credit on your bill.  If you have any questions, please contact the Administration department at (847)438-7823