Springfield, IL – Energy experts are predicting heating
bills will soar 50 to 70 percent higher this winter, and for many
Illinois residents the additional cost will pose a
significant financial burden. As a result, State Senator Dan Rutherford
(R-Pontiac) is encouraging eligible households who need financial assistance to
apply for grants through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP).
Senator Rutherford explained that LIHEAP is a
state- and federally-funded energy assistance program run by the Illinois
Department of Healthcare and Family Service, which helps pay the heating bills
of households with incomes of up to 150 percent of the federal poverty
level.
“The cost of heating and energy is always
high during the winter months, but it is anticipated to be exceptionally high
this winter. Obviously we don’t want any Illinois resident to choose between food and heating
their home,” said Rutherford. “LIHEAP was established so that no family
will have to make that difficult decision.”
Rutherford went on to explain that program recipients
receive a one-time benefit for their energy bills which is determined by the
household income, size, fuel type, and geographic location. Interested parties
are encouraged to submit an application for assistance to the local agency that
serves their area. After a LIHEAP applicant submits their application, the
Department of Healthcare and Family Service will consider their eligibility, and
notify the applicant within 30 days with the amount of assistance they are
eligible to receive.
A single person with a monthly income of no
more than $1,196 can qualify for the program, and a two-person household of up
to $1,606 is eligible, while a family of four may earn up to $2,420 and qualify
for LIHEAP assistance. Applications for LIHEAP will be accepted until all
funding has been allocated.
Rutherford suggested that interested residents bring
the following materials with them when they apply for
assistance:
- Proof
of gross income from all household members for the 30-day period prior to the
application date;
- A
copy of current heat and electric bills;
- Proof
of Social Security numbers of all household members;
- A
“Medical Eligibility Card” for any member of the household who receives
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF); and
- Proof
of rental agreement which states the monthly rent amount (if applicant
rents).
Interested 53rd District
residents are encouraged to contact the representative in their county for
additional details:
Livingston
Mid Central Community Action,
Inc.
741 West
Washington
Suite
1
Pontiac,
IL 61754
Telephone: 815.844.3201
Woodford
Tazwood Community Services,
Inc.
Field
Shopping Center
2005
South Main Street
Morton,
IL 61550
Telephone: 309.266.9941 or
309.694.4391