What is LIHEAP?
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP, pronounced like lie-heap) is a nationwide, federal grant program that helps income-eligible households with paying their winter home heating bills, and it is open to renters and homeowners.
Since it is a grant program, that means you will not have to pay back any help that you receive from the program (if you are eligible).
WIRC-Community Action Agency (WIRC) manages LIHEAP in five western Illinois counties: Hancock; Henderson; Knox; McDonough; and Warren.
LIHEAP is a nationwide program, so those who live outside WIRC’s service area can visit the website https://liheapillinois.com/ and click on the ‘Where to Apply’ button to find a LIHEAP provider in their county.
Funding is provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
The LIHEAP program season begins October 1, 2026, and continues through August 13, 2027, or until available funding is exhausted. As in previous years, priority application periods are available for households considered most vulnerable.
Read our latest press release to learn more.
Or visit our wiki article.
Can I apply?
Households considered to be more vulnerable will have an earlier chance at getting an appointment.
The following priority groups will be able to apply starting at 8:00 a.m. on October 1, 2026:
- Older adults (ages 60 and older);
- Individuals with a disability;
- Families with children under the age of six
- Households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice, or have less than 25% of fuel remaining in their propane tank.
All other households that do not fit into one or more of the categories previously listed can apply starting at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026.
To be considered for LIHEAP, a household’s total combined income (gross, not take-home) also must be at or below 300% of the current federal poverty level guidelines. You can check the chart shown below to see if your household’s income is within the guidelines.
| Number of People in the Household | 300 % FPL Maximum 30-day Income (Gross) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $3,990 |
| 2 people | $5,410 |
| 3 people | $6,830 |
| 4 people | $8,250 |
| 5 people | $9,670 |
Households with five or more members are welcome to contact WIRC to check if they are within the income guidelines or visit the website https://liheapillinois.com/ to view an income limits chart.
*Program Year 2026 Income Guidelines are based on State Median Income and Federal Poverty Guidelines. The state reserves the right to adjust these levels based on the availability of federal appropriations.
** WIRC can provide guidelines for households larger than 8.
How can I apply?
Residents of Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, and Warren counties should contact WIRC’s main office in Macomb at 309-837-2997 to schedule their LIHEAP appointment.
People who live in Knox County should call WIRC’s Galesburg office at 309-837-5115 to schedule a LIHEAP appointment.
Both offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (closed on holidays).
If you do not have a phone, have trouble hearing over the phone, or cannot call for whatever reason, please start chatting with us here on the website. You can also walk-in to one of our offices to schedule an appointment. We are not able to take same-day appointments.
- WIRC Macomb Office: 133 West Jackson Street, Macomb, Illinois.
- WIRC Galesburg Office: 313 E Main Street, Galesburg, Illinois.
What documentation will I need to provide?
Households will be required to verify their income, and other items relevant to their application, by providing certain documentation.
Some of the things you may need to provide include the following examples:
- (1) Proof of gross income from all household members for the past 30-day period, beginning with the date of application. Can be current Social Security letter, bank statement, paycheck stubs, and child support or retirement income. This includes Social Security or Supplemental Security Income for any child in the home. If no income, you must fill out completely the Zero Income Form; sign and date if for anyone 18 years old or older.
- (2) Copy of Photo ID of anyone 18 years old or older that lives in the household.
- (3) Proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for all household members; Residents without ITIN or SSN can still apply.
- (4) Copy of current (within the last 30 days) gas/electric/propane bill and current disconnect notice (if received). You do not have to have a disconnection notice or be behind on paying your bill to apply.
- (5) A copy of a rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are or are not included, the monthly rental amount, and the landlord’s contact information.
- (6) Proof the household received TANF or other benefits, such as Medical Eligibility or SNAP, if receiving assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services.
What You Will Receive if Eligible
The LIHEAP program helps customers who qualify based on income and the number of people in the home with a one-time payment per program year that is paid directly to their utility/energy vendors.
Furnace Repair and Replacement
If your furnace is not working and you own or are buying your home, we may also be able to assist you. To apply for furnace assistance, you must first complete a LIHEAP application.
Re-connection Assistance
If your power company disconnected your power because you were not able to pay your bill, or if you have received a disconnection notice, please contact us to see if we can help. You may qualify for additional assistance even if you already received a LIHEAP benefit during the heating season. Because disconnection is an emergency, especially when it is cold outside, please call us at 309-837-2997, or use the chat window at the bottom of the page.