Press Conference Tuesday: Lisa Hernandez, CEDA, DCEO, ComEd Announce Expansion of LIHEAP Benefits, Discuss Ways for More Low-Income Seniors to Save on Home Energy Assistance

CHICAGO – State Representative Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, joins the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA), the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economy Opportunity (DCEO) and ComEd to announce the expansion of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) income guidelines on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 11:30 a.m. at CEDA’s Chicago office located at 567 W. Lake Street, Suite 1200.

The policy change will allow more Cook County residents to qualify for utility bill assistance, making it easier for households to stay safe and secure in their homes. The expansion is expected to have a particularly meaningful impact on seniors living on fixed incomes, who are often caught in a gap where small cost-of-living adjustments disqualify them from critical support.

“Too often for seniors on fixed incomes, cost-of-living adjustments to their hard-earned retirement benefits mean they get kicked off their home energy or property tax assistance; it's unacceptable that $100 could mean a home-bound senior goes without heating or AC during record weather events,” Hernandez said. “Working with my constituents, CEDA and our dedicated advocates we were able to make sure that the income eligibility is raised and that home energy bill assistance is tied to any cost-of-living adjustments seniors receive. These simple tweaks will save seniors hundreds every year and help keep them safe in their homes.”

CEDA’s President and CEO, Harold Rice, added, “This change is a victory for Cook County families. By expanding income eligibility, more working households will qualify for assistance, more children will be able to live in safe and stable homes, and more seniors on fixed incomes will finally be protected from having to choose between paying for medicine, food, or utilities. This is exactly the kind of policy improvement that strengthens entire communities.”

For media outlets wishing to attend and cover the press conference, please reach out to Brandon Tejeras at btejeras@hds.ilga.gov by Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9 a.m. with your name and organization.