Assistance Web (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take for LIHEAP to pay your bill in Illinois? ›

Once an application is complete and the applicant is connected, the local agency will notify the client of approval or denial within 30 days. All customer and vendor payments are made by the local agency within 45 days after approval of the customer's application.

Can your heat be shut off in the winter due to nonpayment? The Illinois Public Utilities Act says utility companies cannot deny people “essential utility services” in the winter due to an inability to pay. This period is considered to be between Dec. 1 and March 31.

Crisis Assistance Program and Expedited Services for SNAP. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) offers a Crisis Assistance Program for families who have an immediate need for food, shelter or clothing. The Crisis Assistance Program in Cook County includes shelter for individuals and families.

Or call Help Illinois Families call center at 1-833-711-0374. Check the status of your LIHEAP application. Due to the availability of funds, the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) is not accepting new applications starting October 2, 2023 through August 15, 2024.

LIHEAP payments range from $170 to $2,020 per year. The amount you can receive depends on your household's size, your household income, and how your home is heated. For more information, call the Help Illinois Families call center at 1-833-711-0374. To apply for LIHEAP, you have to meet the income limit.

For more information about income eligibility and how to apply, visit the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity website How To Apply - Utility Bill Assistance (illinois.gov); the DCEO Help Illinois Families webpage Community Action Agencies (illinois.gov) or by calling the Illinois Families Call Center ...

Myth #1: I can't get shut off in the winter

However, if the temperature is above 32 degrees, disconnection can happen, as long as the proper disconnection notice has been sent. Also, gas and electric utilities may disconnect a residence without warning, if there is no valid customer of record.

A utility company must give you written notification before it can shut off any services. This written notification must be on red paper. It must also be separate from any bills. The notice must be mailed by US mail or hand delivered.

What is the low income assistance program in Illinois? ›

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services. Call the LIHEAP Hotline at 1-877-411-WARM (9276).

CSBG offers Illinoisans an opportunity to receive support for an array of essential services including rent assistance, food, temporary shelter, medicine and more. Check your local Community Action Agency (referred to as a local agency) page for a list of available services near you.

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LI- HWAP), created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a two-year program for water customers in need of assistance.

LIHEAP will begin accepting applications on October 2, 2023, through August 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted.

For Illinois residents struggling to pay their heating bills, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help. LIHEAP helps low-income households pay for utilities. LIHEAP is available regardless of immigrant status. The utilities covered by LIHEAP include heat, gas, and electric.

Electronic payments are paid within 1-2 business days. Paper checks are mailed and delivered within 5-7 business days.

Most banks advise customers to allow some extra time when setting up bill payments. It takes up to five business days for a scheduled bill payment to reach the payee. Keep in mind that adding a couple of extra days of padding would be a good idea for recurring payments, in case your scheduled date falls on a weekend.

» FPL bills you for the amount of energy you use, generally over a 30-day period. » You have 21 days, or three weeks, to pay your bill.

Bill Payment Assistance

For additional information about income eligibility levels, necessary documentation, and where to apply call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-877-411-9276.