Illinois Low Income Heating & Energy Assistance Program

PY26-27 Income Guidelines

LIHEAP eligibility is based on your household size, gross household income, and utility or energy provider.

Federally Funded Utilities / Energy Vendors

Households that are customers of federally funded utilities or energy vendors must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI).

For households with more than 18 people, add $710 to the 30-day limit and $8,520 to the annual limit for each additional household member.

Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas & Peoples Gas

Households that are customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas must be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL).

For households with more than 18 people, add $1,420 to the 30-day limit and $17,040 to the annual limit for each additional household member.

Not sure which guideline applies? Call NICAA at 815-232-3141 or 800-883-1111.

Required Documents

For in-person appointments: All required documentation must be brought with you at the time of your appointment.

For phone appointments: Required documentation must be submitted prior to your appointment.

• Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
• For all customers new to LIHEAP, and/or for new household members of previous customers, proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) for all household members. Individuals without an SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can still apply and NICAA will advise accordingly.
• A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
• Cash assistance is available for renters who can provide a copy of their lease/rental agreement showing their heating costs are included in the rent.
• Other documents may be needed based on your household situation.

If you have questions regarding required documents, call NICAA at 815-232-3141 or 800-883-1111.

Available Assistance & Utility Discounts

• Payment assistance for natural gas, propane, and electric bills
• Reconnection assistance for disconnected utilities
• Furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems

Income-eligible LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas will receive a monthly discount on their natural gas and/or electric bill through the Low Income Discount Rates.

Visit PowerBillDiscount.com for more information.

How to Apply

LIHEAP applications can be completed in person or over the phone according to the priority dates listed above.

Appointments may be scheduled up to 60 days in advance.

Schedule Your Appointment Online Schedule your LIHEAP in-person appointment using NICAA's online appointment system. Schedule Your Appointment
View Appointment Scheduling Flyer

Scan to schedule

Friday Walk-In & Outreach Schedule

Walk-in assistance is available on Fridays at locations throughout Stephenson and Jo Daviess Counties. No appointment is needed. Walk-ins are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dates, locations, and times are subject to change. Please check this page for the most up-to-date information.

Contact NICAA

Check Your LIHEAP Application Status

Already applied? You can check your LIHEAP application status online.

You will need:

• Your Application ID number provided at your LIHEAP appointment
• Your date of birth
• The last four digits of your Social Security number

LIHEAP Application Status Use the online portal to check your application status. Check Your Application Status
View Application Status Flyer

Scan to check status

The online portal also provides options to upload documents and complete an electronic signature.