Illinois Low Income Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP
Assistance available to members with service in Illinois
There
are two times of year we all expect our energy use and costs to go
up. In the summertime, use of air conditioning and fans depend as
much on personal preference as temperature. Increased winter heating
and electric needs, though, are universal.
Unfortunately, for some of us the decision to turn up the heat is not an easy one to make. Rock Energy Cooperative participates in the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance programs (LIHEAP) that made that decision a little easier for more than 300,000 households last year.
There are actually two energy assistance programs you, or someone you know, may qualify for: LIHEAP, which provides for immediate bill paying assistance, and the Weatherization Program (WAP) which helps pay for energy efficiency home improvement projects.
LIHEAP (Illinois Home Energy Assistance Program)
LIHEAP heat and electric assistance is a one-time benefit payment per heating season (November 1 – April 30) to eligible households. It is intended to help pay a portion of a household’s heat and electrical costs. The amount of the benefit depends on the household’s size, income, and energy costs. In most cases the energy assistance benefit is applied as a credit directly to the household’s Rock Energy Co-op account. You do not need to duplicate your efforts by applying for assistance with your local agency and REC.
Eligibility
The Illinois Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is funded by
the U.S. government
and the state of Illinois. Energy assistance is provided through
local community action agencies or not-for-profit agencies throughout
the state. You may be eligible to receive assistance under this program
if your household's combined income for the 30 days prior to application
is at or below the following levels shown on the chart below. If
you rent, and your heat and/or electric is included in the rent,
then your rent must be greater than 30% of your income in order to
be eligible to receive benefits.
2008-2009WHEAP INCOME GUIDELINES |
||
150 PERCENT
OF FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES |
||
Family Size |
30 Day Income |
Annual Income |
1 |
$1,300 |
$15,600 |
2 |
$1,750 |
$21,000 |
3 |
$2,200 |
$26,400 |
4 |
$2,650 |
$31,800 |
5 |
$3,100 |
$37,200 |
6 |
$3,550 |
$42,600 |
7 |
$4,000 |
$48,000 |
8 |
$4,450 |
$53,400 |
Each additional: |
Add $450 |
Add $5,400 |
If you qualified to receive heating assistance from your local Human
Services or Energy Services office you are also automatically qualified
to receive assistance from Rock Energy Cooperative. You do not need
to apply again or come to our office. We will send you a letter in
about a month stating the level of the benefit that you will receive.
A household also does not need to be in immediate danger of having their heat or electric service turned off for non-payment in order to qualify for assistance. However, there are some charitable organizations and programs that offer that kind of assistance.
Where to Apply:
Contact your local agency (see the listings below) and tell them you want to
apply for the Energy Assistance Program. If you are home-bound, special accommodations
can be made to assist you in applying. You’ll need to provide information
on each member of your household, their incomes and have records of your heating
costs.
You’ll receive a letter approximately one month after you apply, letting you know whether you have been deemed eligible and how much assistance you will receive. There are appeals processes in place in case you are turned down. For more information and application details, please contact your local office listed below directly.
LIHEAP offices in Illinois |
|
For
general information, call 1-877-411-9276 or 1-217-785-6135 |
|
Winnebago County |
Boone County |
Stephenson County |
McHenry County |
WAP (the Weatherization Program)
IHWAP is funded by the federal and state government. Weatherization services are provided through local community action agencies or not-for-profit agencies throughout the state.
If you are eligible for weatherization services, an energy auditor will look at your home to see what can be done to make it more energy efficient at no charge. Weatherization services provided (also at no charge) differ with each home depending on how it was built and its condition. Some common weatherization services include reducing leaks through insulating attics, walls and floors. If deemed necessary, you may receive assistance with repairing or in some cases replacing parts of your heating system.
2008-2009 IHWAP INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES 150% of Poverty Level |
|
Size of Family |
Annual Income |
1 |
$ 15,600 |
2 |
$ 21,000 |
3 |
$ 26,400 |
4 |
$ 31,800 |
5 |
$ 37,200 |
6 |
$ 42,600 |
7 |
$ 48,000 |
8 |
$ 53,400 |
Eligibility:
Eligibility is determined by family size and household income in accordance with
federal guidelines. Weatherization services are free to households that:
- Are eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP);
- Have an occupant receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Aid to Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD); or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
- Your annual income is at or below levels shown at the left.
(For a household with more than eight people, add $5,400 for each additional person.)
Renters may be assisted if they are eligible and the landlord agrees to the program terms. A fifty percent (50%) landlord contribution for weatherization work is required for rental property.
Where to Apply:
Contact your local agency (see the listings below) and tell them you want to
apply for the Energy Assistance Program. If you are home-bound, special accommodations
can be made to assist you in applying. You’ll need to provide information
on each member of your household, their incomes and have records of your heating
costs.
IHWAP offices in Illinois |
|
For
general information, call 1-877-411-9276 or 1-217-785-6135 |
|
Winnebago County |
Boone County |
Stephenson County |
McHenry County |
