Written by Jamie Roth, WIRC Community Services & Public Relations Director.
With the colder months of the year quickly approaching, one local nonprofit agency, WIRC-Community Action Agency (WIRC), is happy to announce they will soon resume one of their most popular programs: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program helps income-eligible households with paying their winter home heating bills, and it is open to renters and homeowners.
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.
As was done in the past, 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 Tuesday, October 1, 2024: Older adults (ages 60 and older); Individuals with a disability; Families with children under the age of six; and 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 Friday, November 1, 2024.
Applications for this program season will be taken until August 15, 2025, or stop when funding runs out; whichever comes first.
Applications are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. LIHEAP caseworkers can meet with applicants in-person at a pre-approved intake site, or, if a household cannot travel, meet with a household member by phone.
To be considered for LIHEAP, a household’s total combined income (gross, not take-home) must be at or below 200% of the current federal poverty level guidelines. At the time of publication, that poverty level is as follows: One-person households cannot earn more than $2,510 per month; Two-person households cannot earn more than $3,407 per month; Three-person households cannot earn more than $4,303 per month; and Four-person households cannot earn more than $5,200 per month. 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.
Households will be required to verify their income, and other items relevant to their application, by providing certain documentation. Some of the required documentation includes the following items: (1) Proof of gross income from all household members for the past 30-day period, beginning with the date of application; (2) Proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for all household members; (3) A copy of the current heat and electric bills issued within the past 30 days; (4) 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.
Other documents may be needed, depending on the household’s situation. If a household does not have SSNs or ITINs, they still may be able to apply if they discuss their situation with their caseworker at WIRC.
New this season, LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas will receive a monthly discount on their natural gas bill through the new Low Income Discount Rates. Visit https://liheapillinois.com/ to learn more details about the monthly discount.
Also, households that already got a one-time LIHEAP payment after October 1, 2024, may be eligible to apply for Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefits, depending on their situation.
To apply, residents of Knox County should call WIRC’s Galesburg office at 309-837-5115 to schedule a LIHEAP appointment.
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.
Both offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (closed on holidays).
WIRC officials say LIHEAP is one of their most popular programs, and that their phone lines can be very busy in early October. They want to thank applicants ahead of time for their patience, and encourage them to call back at another time if their call cannot get through. They also want callers to keep in mind that appointment slots quickly fill up, and it is typical for appointments to be scheduled several weeks out.
Funding for LIHEAP is provided by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
WIRC-Community Action Agency (WIRC) is a nonprofit that helps people and communities in multiple western Illinois counties. The Agency offers a wide range of social service and community development programs to improve the quality of life in their service area. For more information about their programs, find them on social media, visit their website at https://wirpc.org/, call their Macomb office at 309-837-2997 or call their Galesburg office at 309-837-5115. WIRC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.