Wabash Area Development has announced that preparations are underway to begin accepting applications for the LIHEAP or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Applications are able to start being accepted on October 2nd. We have the information on setting up appointments and eligibility guidelines at WFIWRadio.com
This Year includes a variety of improvements based on feedback from advocates such as the expanded program year, as well as re-instating the pre-pandemic practice of tiered applications to allow families most in need to apply first.
Application Start Dates are as follows:
• October 2 – Income-eligible households who fall under the following categories:
o Households with seniors age 60+
o Households with a documented long-term disability
o Households with children under age 6
• November 1 – Income-eligible households who fall under the following categories:
o October priority period households
o Households that are disconnected
o Households facing imminent threat of disconnection
• December 1
o All income-eligible households
LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year over 311,000 households received LIHEAP, with an average of over $1,000 per household. All families who meet the qualifications and provide
proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two-times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP.
Additional Program Information:
The State of Illinois offers various programs to support eligible low-income families with utility assistance. These programs are open to ALL eligible low-income Illinois families who meet the criteria, including undocumented
families.
Programs for eligible families include:
• One-time Direct Vendor Payment: All LIHEAP recipients receive a one-time payment.
• Crisis/Reconnection Assistance: Funding is available for families in heating-related emergency situations.
• Furnace Assistance: Based on funding availability, Furnace Assistance may be provided to households that
do not have an operating furnace for their residence.
• Home Weatherization Program: The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) helps
low-income residents and households conserve fuel and reduce energy costs by making their homes and
apartments more energy efficient.