Seniors, People with Disabilities Can Apply for LIHEAP Program Beginning Sept. 1
CHICAGO - August 26, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that seniors and people with disabilities can begin applying for winter heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) beginning Sept. 1.
"Winter in Illinois can be treacherous, especially for vulnerable populations like seniors and people who have disabilities," said Governor Quinn. "Even though there are still hot days ahead, it's important to beginning planning for the cold weather now. Through the LIHEAP program, we're helping Illinois citizens get the assistance they need to stay safe, healthy and warm this winter."
LIHEAP is a state and federally funded energy assistance program for low income families, in which heating bill payments are made on behalf of households.
A single-person household can qualify with a monthly income of up to $1,354; a two-person household up to $1,821; and a family of four can earn up to $2,756. Benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of eligible households. The exception is households whose heating costs are included in their rent.
LIHEAP energy grant applications are processed through a network of 35 local administering agencies around the state. These agencies will begin accepting applications on a first-come, first?served basis from the elderly and people with disabilities on Sept. 1.
Households with children under the age of five can begin applying for LIHEAP assistance beginning Oct. 1. Individuals not eligible for priority enrollment can apply beginning Nov. 1.
LIHEAP is expected to make energy assistance payments on behalf of more than 300,000 households this winter with an anticipated $150 million in federal and non-federal funding.
For a complete listing of LIHEAP's local administering agencies and additional information about the program, go to LiheapIllinois.com, or call the toll-free hotline at 1?877?411-WARM.
