The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is urging eligible households to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps income-qualified families cover the cost of natural gas, propane, and electricity.
Applications opened October 1, 2025, and will remain available through August 15, 2026, or until funds run out. The program will distribute $240 million in assistance through the state’s Help Illinois Families initiative.
Families can apply by visiting the DCEO website or by contacting their local community agency. Assistance is also available by calling 1-833-711-0374.
Under the program’s priority application system, households most in need are encouraged to apply first. The initial group, which represents more than half of anticipated applicants includes:
- Seniors (age 60 and older)
- Individuals with disabilities
- Families with children age five or younger
- Households that are disconnected from utilities, have received a disconnection notice, or have less than 25% fuel remaining in their propane tank
All other income-eligible households may begin applying November 1, 2025.
To qualify, families must earn no more than twice the federal poverty level. Approved applicants will receive one-time payments made directly to their energy service providers for utility or furnace assistance.