Governor Blagojevich Releases Additional Funding to help Residents Pay for Winter Heating Bills

CHICAGO -- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Illinois will have an additional $2 million for the winter season.  The added funds will allow the program to serve an additional 4,000 households across the state.

 

"As temperatures drop and snowflakes begin falling, calls for assistance have gone up," said Governor Blagojevich.   "Families who can't afford to pay their bills will now have some extra help.  LIHEAP is another way we can ensure our families are warm and safe this winter".

 

Total funding for LIHEAP this winter is approximately $146 million, with $79 million from the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Block Grant and $67 million from the state's Supplemental Low Income Home Energy Assistance fund.  LIHEAP funds are administered through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

 

"The continued volatility of natural gas prices and the uncertainty of the Illinois winter means heating bills could unexpectedly rise putting our low-income residents at-risk," said DCEO Director Jack Lavin.  "These additional funds released by the Governor will allow us to meet those increased demands."

       

The energy assistance program is geared to households with incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.  A family of one can have a monthly income of no more than $1,123, a two person household no more than $1,515 and a family of four an income no greater than $2,300.  Benefits are provided directly to the household's gas or electric utility or delivered fuel dealer for households that heat with fuel oil or propane.

 

Benefits include payments to utilities or fuel dealers on behalf of eligible households to help reduce energy bills, and emergency assistance to help disconnected households regain energy services.  In limited instances where heat is included in rent, and rent is greater than 30 percent of a household's income, a small cash payment may be made directly to the household.

 

LIHEAP is operated throughout the state by a network of local agencies that work with utilities, determine eligibility and provide benefits to households.  Anyone wishing to apply should contact the local agency in the county where they live.  Additional assistance is available by calling the toll-free LIHEAP information line at 1-800-252-8643.