LIHEAP Energy Assistance (Illinois)
Last updated August 2026
Illinois LIHEAP pays a one-time benefit toward gas and electric bills, sent straight to your utilities. The season runs October 1 to August 15, or until money runs out. The calendar favors the vulnerable. Someone 60 or older? A disability? A child 5 or under? Disconnected, or about to be? Propane under a quarter tank? You apply starting October 1. Everyone else starts November 1.
The income test looks at your last 30 days. The limits: $3,332 for one person, $4,357 for two, $5,382 for three, $6,407 for four. Apply through your county's local agency, listed on the state's Where to Apply page. Or start at 1-833-711-0374.
Crisis moves fast. Reconnection help for disconnected homes is worked within 48 hours, or 18 when life-threatening. Furnace died? Homeowners who got a LIHEAP benefit can get repair or replacement through Furnace Assistance, into late May.
One honest warning: PIPP, the monthly percentage-of-income plan, is CLOSED to new applications for the 2026 program year. Current PIPP customers keep their credits and recertify as usual, but new applicants get the regular one-time benefit instead. Guides steering new people to PIPP are out of date.
Payments go out within 45 days of approval, and you can track your application status online. Bring 30 days of income proof, a recent heating bill, Social Security cards or ITINs for the household, and your lease if heat is in the rent.
Phone 1-833-711-0374
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Household income for the 30 days before applying at or below 60 percent of the state median income
- Priority groups, including seniors 60 and older, people with disabilities, families with young children, and disconnected households, can apply starting October 1; all other eligible households start November 1
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Find your county's agency on the state's Where to Apply list, or call 1-833-711-0374.
- 2
In a priority group (60+, disability, child 5 or under, disconnected or about to be, low propane)? Apply starting October 1. Everyone else: November 1.
- 3
Disconnected or about to be? Ask about Reconnection Assistance: worked within 48 hours, 18 if life-threatening.
- 4
Homeowner with a dead furnace? Ask about Furnace Assistance after receiving your LIHEAP benefit.
- 5
Bring 30 days of income proof, a heating bill from the last 30 days, Social Security cards or ITINs, and your lease if heat is included in rent.
- 6
Track your application online, and expect payment to your utilities within 45 days of approval.
What the application looks like
Common questions
When does Illinois LIHEAP open?
October 1 for priority groups: age 60+, disability, a child 5 or under, disconnected households, or propane under a quarter tank. November 1 for everyone else. The season runs to August 15 or until funds run out.
What are the income limits?
Measured on your last 30 days: $3,332 for one person, $4,357 for two, $5,382 for three, $6,407 for four.
My power is disconnected. How fast can help come?
Reconnection Assistance is worked within 48 hours, or 18 hours when the situation is life-threatening. Call your county agency or 1-833-711-0374 immediately.
Can I sign up for PIPP?
Not this program year; PIPP is closed to new applications, though current enrollees keep their monthly credits and recertify normally. New applicants get the regular one-time benefit instead.
Can LIHEAP fix my furnace?
Homeowner households that received a LIHEAP or PIPP benefit can get furnace repair or replacement through Furnace Assistance, with the season running into late May.
Where do I apply?
Through your county's local administering agency, listed on the state's Where to Apply page, or start at 1-833-711-0374 (email communityassist@illinois.gov).
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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