Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides a one time per year payment for heat (primary utility), and electric, (secondary utility), to income eligible applicants. The LIHEAP Program is able to provide once a year reconnection assistance payments for applicants whose utility has been disconnected for non payment or applicants who are being denied service because of an old bill. LIHEAP is also able to provide emergency furnace repair or replacement for eligible applicants whose furnace does not work or is red tagged by the utility company.

The program begins on September 1 with a special priority period for applicants with an elderly household member (age 60 or older), or a disabled household member; and/or beginning October 1st households without home energy service (are disconnected from their primary and/or secondary energy source).

Also beginning October 1, LIHEAP Furnace Assistance will be available to low-income homeowners whose existing heating systems are not operational or have been red-tagged by their utility company. Please note: funds for emergency repairs have been exhausted for this program year. 

Beginning November 1, the program will be available to all low-income households, including households who are under imminent threat of disconnection. Applications will be taken through May 31 or until funding is depleted, whichever comes first.

Please note that program dates are subject to change.

What to bring to your appointment:

1. Social Security cards for everyone in the household
2. Proof of income for the 30 days prior to appointment for everyone in the household 18 or over
3. Current heat & light bills
4. Medical cards (if applicable)
5. Copy of rent receipt or lease
   

Email: theresan@mccainc.org in McLean County
or terim@mccainc.org in Livingston County

Income Guidelines for 2010 LIHEAP Program - 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
(subject to change)

For each additional member, add $467.50

"I would like to thank you for the assistance I got this past winter. On my fixed income, it really came in handy when my bills went up and I wasn't able to afford them. Without the program I wouldn't have been able to pay my bills and I would have been without service. I thank you again for all your help."

A Central Illinois resident