D’Amico Encourages Residents to Apply for Utility Bills Assistance Program

CHICAGO –State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, is encouraging residents during the cold winter months to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a program that offers assistance to residents who struggle to pay their utility bills.

“I encourage families struggling to pay their utility bills to apply for relief from LIHEAP to ensure they stay warm this winter,” D’Amico said. “This vital program has helped countless families stay warm during the tough Chicago winters.”

LIHEAP assists low-income citizens who directly pay their energy costs by offsetting the rising cost of home energy (principally heating) through direct financial assistance, energy counseling, outreach and education. An eligible household’s combined income for the 30 days before application must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, or a resident’s rent must exceed 30 percent of their monthly income. For example, a family of four with a monthly income of less than $3,138 would be eligible assuming other requirements are met.

The LIHEAP application deadline is May 31, 2019, or whenever funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. To qualify, residents must provide proof of gross income from all household members and a copy of heat and electric bills from the last 30 days, along with other required documentation listed at www2.illinois.gov/dceo/communityservices/utilitybillassistance.

Residents should reach out to D’Amico’s constituent service office with questions on eligibility or the application process for LIHEAP.

“We must continue to support working families struggling to make ends meet,” D’Amico said. “My office is happy to assist people with questions regarding their application.”