Galesburg Reporter

The State of Illinois is now accepting applications for low-income residents in need of financial help to keep their lights on and homes warm as the seasons begin to change.

State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) announced that applications were officially open for the State's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in a Facebook post this week. 

"Families who earn up to 2X the federal poverty level are eligible to receive one-time support, and the program will remain open until finding is exhausted," Tracy said in the post. "You can visit helpillinoisfamilies.com or call 1-833-711-0374 to learn more. You can also reach out to your local Community Action Agency (CAA) to learn more."

LIHEAP helps qualifying households pay for much-needed utilities including heating, gas, propane or electricity. The program is open now through May 31, 2023, or until all the money allotted is used. The deadline to submit information online with the Request for Services during this period is May 5, 2023. But families can also apply through their local administering agency up to May 31, 2023. 

The necessary documents and income eligibility information are available online. Renters who have heat or electricity included in their rent need to demonstrate the rent is greater than 30% of their income. 

Applicants can receive help paying utility bills once during the program year, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity said. People who have received help from LIHEAP but find themselves in a situation where utility shutoff is imminent or has already happened, can also apply for reconnection assistance.