Illinois Low-Income Energy Assistance Program
Energy Assistance Available for Low-Income Households
Record-high unemployment rates will make the 2009-2010 heating system challenging for many
Illinois households. In some cases, families will be forced to make painful decisions about which bills to pay and which necessities to cut.
The federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for winter energy services. Fortunately, Rock Energy Cooperative works with LIHEAP, which benefits about 300,000 Wisconsin households each year.
Low-income Rock Energy members also are eligible for assistance through Rock Cooperative Care, which is designed to supplement LIHEAP. Because the programs have different income guidelines, check each chart on this page to see if you qualify. For your convenience, the same agency handles both applications so you need to visit only one office.
LIHEAP Details
LIHEAP heat and electric assistance is a one-time benefit payment per heating season that is intended to help pay a portion of a household’s heat and electric costs. The benefit amount depends on household size,
income, and energy costs.
If you qualify to receive heating assistance, you are automatically eligible to receive electric bill assistance from Rock Energy. We will send you a letter stating your level of assistance about a month after you qualify. In most cases, the benefit will be applied as a credit directly on your account.
Eligibility
Illinois LIHEAPIncome Guidelines |
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HouseholdSize |
30-Day Household Income |
Annual Household Income |
1 |
$1,354 |
$16,245 |
2 |
$1,821 |
$21,855 |
3 |
$2,289 |
$27,465 |
4 |
$2,756 |
$33,075 |
5 |
$3,224 |
$38,685 |
6 |
$3,691 |
$44,295 |
7 |
$4,159 |
$49,905 |
8 |
$4,626 |
$55,515 |
Rock Cooperative Care
Rock Cooperative Care offers a one-time grant of up to $500 to help residential customers pay their energy bills. This program is designed to help members who are struggling to pay their energy bills but do not meet the more stringent LIHEAP requirements.
Eligibility
Rock Cooperative Care Income Guidelinesfor the 2009-2010 Heating Season |
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HouseholdSize |
150% ofPoverty Level(eligible for up to a $500 grant) |
200% ofPoverty Level(eligible for up to a $350 grant) |
300% ofPoverty Level(eligible for up to a $250 grant) |
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30-DayIncome |
AnnualIncome |
30-DayIncome |
AnnualIncome |
30-DayIncome |
AnnualIncome |
|
1 |
$1,300 |
$15,600 |
$1,805 |
$21,660 |
$2,708 |
$32,490 |
2 |
$1,750 |
$21,000 |
$2,428 |
$29,140 |
$3,643 |
$43,710 |
3 |
$2,200 |
$26,400 |
$3,052 |
$36,620 |
$4,578 |
$54,930 |
4 |
$2,650 |
$31,800 |
$3,675 |
$44,400 |
$5,513 |
$66,150 |
5 |
$3,100 |
$37,200 |
$4,298 |
$51,580 |
$6,448 |
$77,370 |
6 |
$3,550 |
$42,600 |
$4,922 |
$59,060 |
$7,383 |
$88,590 |
7 |
$4,000 |
$48,000 |
$5,545 |
$66,540 |
$8,318 |
$99,810 |
8 |
$4,450 |
$53,400 |
$6,168 |
$74,020 |
$9,253 |
$111,030 |
Where to Apply
To apply for assistance, you'll need to complete a Home Energy Plus application and provide information on each household member and their income as well as records of your heating costs. When you apply for energy assistance, the local agency will see if you qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps fund energy efficiency home improvement projects.
For more information and application details, please contact your local office:
Winnebago and Boone Counties 555 N. Court St., Suite 301 Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 987-5782 |
McHenry County McHenry County Housing Authority 1108 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 338-7752 |
Stephenson County 103-109 N. Chicago Ave. Freeport, IL 61032 (815) 232-3141 or (800) 883-1111 In Stephenson County, applications also will be taken on a walk-in basis from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at US Bank, Rock City Office, 123 Main St., Rock City, Ill. No appointments are necessary. Bring Social Security cards and proof of 30-day income for all household members in addition to most recent energy bills. |
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For general information, call toll-free (877) 411-9276 or visit www.illinoisliheap.com. |
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