The new season for LIHEAP will begin October 1st 2026. During this time the following households will be eligible :
- 60 years or older
- Children 5 years old or younger
- Person(s) on Disability
- Imminent or Disconnected
All other households are able to apply starting in November 2026
Application packets are available for pick-up on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM to 4:00 PM at:
360 E Marietta St, Decatur, IL
ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS: NEED FURNACE ASSISTANCE?
The Energy Services Program (LIHEAP) Emergency Furnace Program provides furnace assistance for homeowners from October 1, 2026 through August 15, 2027.
To qualify, you must be eligible for LIHEAP and have an existing, non-working furnace. Assistance is available for systems including:
- Natural Gas
- Boilers
- Electric
- Steam
For more information, please contact:
(217) 428-0155 ext. 1024
LIHEAP OVERVIEW
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services, primarily heating during the winter months.
Energy costs can place severe and ongoing stress on a family’s budget. In some cases, households are forced to make difficult decisions about which bills to pay and which basic needs to go without.
Illinois residents with a household income that does not exceed 60% of the State Median Income (SMI), based on 30-day household income, are eligible. Annual eligibility levels are determined by the Illinois Department of Commerce and are subject to available funding.
Program Purpose
LIHEAP provides direct financial assistance, energy counseling, outreach, and education to help offset the rising cost of home energy. The program also serves as a gateway to other essential social services.
Although low-income households may not use more energy than the average household, they often pay a much higher percentage of their income toward energy bills—sometimes as much as 33%, compared to 5% for the average household.
2026 300% Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2027 Program Year
| FAMILY SIZE | 30 DAY INCOME | 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 |
*Program Year 2027 Income Guidelines are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines. Households that are customers of federal funded utilities/energy vendors must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income to receive a LIHEAP benefit. The state reserves the right to adjust these levels based on the availability of federal appropriations.
ITEMS CLIENTS MUST BRING
To complete your application, please bring the following printed documents:
- Social Security Cards for the entire household
- Power Bill
- Income documentation for all household members covering the past 30 days, including sources such as SSI, SSA, wages, TANF, pensions, or any other income received
- Current rent receipt or proof of homeownership
- If you have ZERO income household:
- Notice of Decision Letter for Benefits received (must include all pages)
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