Illinois Low Income Heating & Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help with natural gas, propane and/or electric bills, reconnection of energy service, and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.
NICAA administers LIHEAP for eligible households in Stephenson and Jo Daviess Counties.
PY26–27 Application Dates:
-
October 5, 2026 – Priority applications begin by appointment for:
- Older adults age 60 and older
- Individuals with a disability
- Families with children age 5 and under
- Households that are disconnected from utilities
- Households that have received a disconnection notice
- Households with less than 25% remaining in their propane tank
- November 1, 2026 – Open to all other income-eligible households
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through August 13, 2027, or until funding is exhausted.
💸 Available Assistance Includes:
- Payment assistance for natural gas, propane, and electric bills
- Furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems
- Reconnection assistance for disconnected utilities
- Monthly utility discounts for eligible customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas through the Low Income Discount Rates
Use the sections below to review income guidelines, required documents, application information, and additional LIHEAP resources.
PY26–27 Income Guidelines
LIHEAP eligibility is based on your household size, gross household income,
and utility or energy provider.
There are two income guideline categories for the 2026-2027 program year.
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).
| Household Size | Maximum 30-Day Income | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,441 | $41,290 |
| 2 | $4,500 | $53,995 |
| 3 | $5,558 | $66,700 |
| 4 | $6,617 | $79,405 |
| 5 | $7,676 | $92,109 |
| 6 | $8,735 | $104,814 |
| 7 | $8,933 | $107,196 |
| 8 | $9,132 | $109,578 |
| 9 | $9,330 | $111,961 |
| 10 | $9,529 | $114,343 |
| 11 | $9,727 | $116,725 |
| 12 | $9,926 | $119,107 |
| 13 | $10,515 | $126,180 |
| 14 | $11,225 | $134,700 |
| 15 | $11,935 | $143,220 |
| 16 | $12,645 | $151,740 |
| 17 | $13,355 | $160,260 |
| 18 | $14,065 | $168,780 |
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.
Download HHS LIHEAP Income Guidelines
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).
| Household Size | Maximum 30-Day Income | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,990 | $47,880 |
| 2 | $5,410 | $64,920 |
| 3 | $6,830 | $81,960 |
| 4 | $8,250 | $99,000 |
| 5 | $9,670 | $116,040 |
| 6 | $11,090 | $133,080 |
| 7 | $12,510 | $150,120 |
| 8 | $13,930 | $167,160 |
| 9 | $15,350 | $184,200 |
| 10 | $16,770 | $201,240 |
| 11 | $18,190 | $218,280 |
| 12 | $19,610 | $235,320 |
| 13 | $21,030 | $252,360 |
| 14 | $22,450 | $269,400 |
| 15 | $23,870 | $286,440 |
| 16 | $25,290 | $303,480 |
| 17 | $26,710 | $320,520 |
| 18 | $28,130 | $337,560 |
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.
Download State LIHEAP & PIPP Income Guidelines
Not sure which guideline applies?
Call NICAA at
815-232-3141
or
800-883-1111.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
All documentation must be brought with you at the time of your appointment.
If documentation is missing, you will have to reschedule.
- 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.
Propane customers:
Priority-group customers are encouraged to apply when the program opens in October.
Propane prices typically increase during the winter months, so applying early may
help your LIHEAP benefit go further.
How to Apply
Applications are completed in person or over the phone according to the priority dates listed above.
Appointments may be scheduled up to 60 days in advance. NICAA also offers walk-in days every Friday.
Please call the NICAA Main Office to schedule an appointment or for information on outreach locations, schedules, and required documents.
NICAA Main Office
27 S. State Ave., Suite 102
Freeport, IL 61032
Phone: 815-232-3141
Toll Free: 800-883-1111
Learn more: www.liheapillinois.com
Important Documents & Information
Priority applications begin by appointment on October 5, 2026. All other income-eligible households can begin applying November 1, 2026.
Please review the current LIHEAP program information and documents below.
Our Funding Partner
