BELLEVILLE, Ill. – With cooler weather approaching, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is encouraging qualified residents to take advantage of the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as the application period opens up Thursday, Oct. 1 for those age 60+, individuals with a disability, families with children age 5 or younger and households disconnected from utilities.
All other eligible households can apply starting Nov. 1.
“LIHEAP helps families with utility costs for natural gas, propane and electricity,” Hoffman said. “It’s a critical program that ensures households stay warm during the winter, and I encourage those who can be helped by it to not delay in applying.”
Households that meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. The priority application system is designed to ensure those most in need are able to apply first, a group that is expected to represent more than half of this year’s applicants. This year’s income eligibility is found below:
|
LIHEAP Eligible Income Thresholds |
|
|
Family Size (Total Number in Household) |
30-Day Gross Income Total to Meet Eligibility |
|
1 |
$3,990 |
|
2 |
$5,410 |
|
3 |
$6,830 |
|
4 |
$8,250 |
|
5 |
$9,670 |
|
6 |
$11,090 |
Additional information and an online application will be available starting Oct. 1 on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website at dceo.illinois.gov.
St. Clair County residents may also visit the St. Clair County Community Action Agency, located at 19 Public Square, Suite 200 in downtown Belleville.
For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.
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