A local nonprofit organization, Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA), is pleased to announce they will soon resume taking applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The federal program helps eligible households with paying their winter home energy bills, reconnecting their electrical and heating utilities, and/or with repairing or replacing their furnace. Awards are paid directly to the household’s utility company.
For many years, WIRC-CAA has managed LIHEAP in the western Illinois counties of Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, and Warren. Starting in October 2023, the Agency is now also managing applications for Knox County. WIRC-CAA team members will be able to meet applicants at several pre-designated locations throughout their five-county service area, or process an application by phone if transportation is not possible.
In order to help the most vulnerable households first, LIHEAP applications will be scheduled on a staggered basis (also called priority periods). Starting on October 2, 2023, senior citizens ages 60+, disabled individuals, and families with children under the age of six years will be able to apply. On November 1, 2023, households that are disconnected, have a disconnection notice, or who have less than 25% fuel in their propane tank can apply. Beginning on December 1, 2023, all other income-eligible households can apply for energy assistance. Applications will continue to be scheduled until August 15, 2024, or when the program’s funding runs out for the program year.
An income-eligible household is a household whose total gross income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which are as follows: One-person household: $2,430 per month; Two-person household: $3,287 per month; Three-person household: $4,143 per month; Four-person household: $5,000 per month; Five-person household: $5,857 per month. Households with six people or more should contact WIRC to ask if their home is within the income guidelines.
The price of propane tends to go up during the winter months. Propane customers who belong to any of the priority groups are encouraged to apply as soon as they are able, so that their benefit award will go further.
Households interested in applying should contact WIRC to check their eligibility and schedule an appointment with a case worker. Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, and Warren County residents can schedule an appointment by calling WIRC’s Macomb office at 309-837-2997. Knox County residents can call WIRC’s Galesburg office at 309-837-5115. The business hours for both offices are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). Appointments are typically scheduled a few weeks in advance, but it can be longer depending on how many people apply.
Funding for LIHEAP is provided by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
WIRC-CAA is a nonprofit that helps people and communities in multiple western Illinois counties. The Agency has offices in Macomb and Galesburg. For more information, find them on social media, visit their website at wirpc.org, or call 309-837-2997. WIRC-CAA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.