LIHEAP · Guide
Illinois LIHEAP: application dates, income limits and how to apply
Last updated 2026-10-24 · Reviewed against official sources · Editorial standards
Key takeaways
- The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) runs LIHEAP through local administering agencies, chosen by county.
- Since Oct. 1, 2026, a priority group can apply: people 60 or older, people with a disability, families with a child 5 or younger, and homes facing a shutoff.
- All other income-eligible households can start Nov. 1, 2026. DCEO's How to Apply page lists the period as Oct. 1, 2026, to Aug. 13, 2027, or until funding runs out.
- The state plan estimates benefits from $58 to $2,564. Reconnection help can reach $2,000 per household per year.
- Apply with the Request for Services form at helpillinoisfamilies.com, or call 1-833-711-0374.
When you can apply
From Oct. 1, 2026, these households can apply: older adults (60 or older), people with a disability, and households with a child age 5 or younger. So can households that are disconnected, have a disconnect date within 7 days or have less than 25 percent in their propane tank. All other income-eligible households can start Nov. 1, 2026. The state plan says the program runs to Aug. 15, 2027, or until funds run out.
Income limits
DCEO counts gross income for the 30 days before you apply. Customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas may get help with income up to 300 percent of the poverty guidelines.
| Family size | 30-day income | Yearly income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,990 | $47,880 |
| 2 | $5,410 | $64,920 |
| 3 | $6,830 | $81,960 |
| 4 | $8,250 | $99,000 |
| 5 | $9,670 | $116,040 |
| 6 | $11,090 | $133,080 |
| 7 | $12,510 | $150,120 |
| 8 | $13,930 | $167,160 |
Households served by other energy vendors must be at or below 60 percent of the state median income. For fiscal year 2027, that is $41,290 a year for one person and $79,405 for four.
Types of help
- Direct Vendor Payment. A one-time payment to your energy company. If heat is part of your rent, you may get a cash payment instead.
- Low Income Discounts. Income-eligible LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas get a monthly discount on their gas bill. ComEd electric customers have had it since Jan. 1, 2026. Starting Oct. 1, 2026, Ameren has a program for electric customers that is meant to keep the bill at no more than 3 percent of income, or 6 percent for all-electric homes.
- PIPP. Under the Percentage of Income Payment Plan, you pay a share of your income. DCEO said PIPP was closed to new applicants from Oct. 1, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2026. Ask your local agency if it is taking new people.
- Reconnection Assistance. For homes that are disconnected or within 7 days of a disconnection. It pays the smallest amount needed to restore service, up to $2,000 a year.
- Furnace Assistance. For homeowners who get a LIHEAP benefit and have no working furnace, until May 28, 2027, or until funds run out.
Crisis help comes within 48 hours of a complete application, or 18 hours if life is at risk.
How to apply
Fill out the Request for Services form at helpillinoisfamilies.com. Your local agency will then call or email you to check your eligibility and set your benefit. If you hear nothing after 3 weeks, contact the agency. If you have a disconnect date or are already disconnected, call your county agency directly. Have proof of income for the past 30 days for each person, a recent heating or electric bill, Social Security cards or ITINs, and a rental agreement if you rent. You can still apply without a Social Security number or ITIN.
Frequently asked questions
How long does LIHEAP take in Illinois?
Once your application is complete, the local agency tells you its decision within 30 days. Payments are made within 45 days after the application is found eligible.
How do I check my Illinois LIHEAP status?
Use the seven-digit Application ID that starts with an 8 on the state's customer inquiry page, or call 1-833-711-0374.
Is there summer cooling help in Illinois?
The FY 2027 state plan says Illinois will not run a separate cooling program. Gas and electric help continues until Aug. 15, 2027, or until funds run out.
Sources
- Illinois DCEO, LIHEAP How To Apply: Oct. 1, 2026, priority start; Nov. 1, 2026, for all others; period to Aug. 13, 2027; 300 percent of poverty table; documents. Read 2026-10-24.
- Illinois DCEO, FY 2027 LIHEAP State Plan: Estimated benefits from $58 to $2,564; Reconnection Assistance up to $2,000; Furnace Assistance to May 28, 2027; program to Aug. 15, 2027. Read 2026-10-24.
- Illinois DCEO, LIHEAP Frequently Asked Questions: Types of help, PIPP, crisis timelines, decision within 30 days, payment within 45 days, LIHEAP hotline 877-411-9276. Read 2026-10-24.
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Utility Bill Assistance: LIHEAP overview, Help Illinois Families call center 1-833-711-0374, Office of Community Assistance. Read 2026-10-24.
- ACF, IM 2026-01 Attachment 4: State Median Income by household size, mandatory use in FY 2027: 60 percent of state median income for each state and household size. Read 2026-10-24.
- ACF, LIHEAP Map: State and Territory Contact Listing: State agencies that run LIHEAP and their public inquiry lines. Read 2026-10-24.