Gov. Pritzker Reminds Illinoisans To Apply For Energy Bill Assistance

Beginning October 1, eligible families can apply for help on their energy bills through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Submitted by the Office of Governor JB Pritzker

Sep 30, 2026 11:05 AM

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CHICAGO – With Illinoisans facing rising energy costs, Governor JB Pritzker is reminding eligible families to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support households with utility costs. Applications open on October 1, 2026, and Illinois has $240 million available to support families. Last program year, Illinois supported 360,500 households, with an average of $676 per household.

Eligible families can apply through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website or at a location in their community.

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“No working family should have to decide between heating their home and putting food on the table,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Making life more affordable for Illinoisans means offering support to those struggling with raised monthly costs, including utility bills. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides eligible households with the critical assistance needed to stay warm through the winter months.”

"As winter approaches, we want to make sure heating your home is affordable for everyone," said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. "While we keep seeing prices rise across—from groceries to fuel—the Pritzker-Stratton administration is doing everything we can to help families through this tough time."

Key Application Information for Families

Apply Online: At the DCEO Website application
Apply in Person: At community locations (list of community locations here)
For Help: Call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages

Additional Information about the LIHEAP Program

LIHEAP utilizes a priority application system to ensure that families most in need can apply first. The first group eligible to apply is expected to represent more than half of households that apply for the program. The program will begin taking applications on October 1, 2026, for (i) older adults (60 years +), (ii) individuals with a disability, (iii) families with children five years old or younger and (iv) households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income eligible households can start applying November 1, 2026.

All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with eligible income thresholds can be found on the webpage and below:

FAMILY SIZE (HOUSEHOLD) 30-DAY GROSS INCOME:

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1 - $3,990
2 - $5,410
3 - $6,830
4 - $8,250
5 - $9,670
6 - $11,090

The State of Illinois offers various programs to support eligible low-income families with utility assistance. These programs are open to ALL income eligible Illinois families who meet the criteria, including qualified non-citizen families. Programs for eligible families include:

One-Time Direct Vendor Payment: All LIHEAP recipients receive a one-time payment.
Crisis/Reconnection Assistance: Funding is available for families in heating-related emergency situations.
Furnace Assistance: Based on funding availability, Furnace Assistance may be provided to homeowners who do not have an operating furnace for their residence.
Home Weatherization Program: The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) helps low-income residents and households conserve fuel and reduce energy costs by making their homes and apartments more energy efficient.

LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year's LIHEAP funding, which was available from October 2025 through August 2026, provided assistance to 360,500 households, with an average of $676 per household.