Help is Available for Those Struggling to Pay Heating Bills

With winter approaching, it’s important that everyone is prepared for the cold weather that comes along with the season. No family should have to choose between paying for heat and paying for other necessities, and that is why we are here to assist residents in applying for Illinois’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, abbreviated in this post as LIHEAP.

LIHEAP is a program for low-income families in which heating bill payments are made on behalf of households. The full income guidelines from the State of Illinois can be found here.

To receive application assistance from Maine Township, applicants should make an appointment by calling 847-297-2510.

To qualify, applicants must bring all of the following original documents to your appointment:

  • State of Illinois photo ID / Drivers license for all members of the household 18 years or older
  • Proof of prior 45 day income for everyone in household over 18 years of age
    • 2024 Social Security Benefits Award Letter with all pages included
    • Bank statements with direct deposits will be accepted – must read direct deposit from SSI or SSA – must be within 30 days of the application date and have your name on it
    • If you are under 60 and receiving Disability, you must provide the original letter of when you were found disabled or your Medicare card.
    • 2024 Pension Award Letter indicating the GROSS amount of the pension or pension check stubs. No checks or direct deposits will be accepted.
    • Paystubs for the last 45 days – self employed individuals must complete a blue “self-employment worksheet” as well as receipts of related business expenses.
    • Any monies received in the last 45 days.
  • All adults living in the household who are 18 years of older and unemployed or without income must go to the unemployment office and provide the notice of decision.
    • If you are receiving unemployment, you must provide weekly detailed amounts from the last 30 days.
  • A form (provided by our office) for verification of assistance with paying household bills must be completed and duplicate for any one who received financial assistance from family and friends in the last 30 days.
  • Public aid- for seniors or people with disabilities - a current letter stating amount of AABD (small check) and SNAP benefits (food stamps) and TANF (cash assistance). For families with children current letter from DHS stating money received monthly is required.
    • Section 8 lease for zero income households.
  • Current electric and gas bills are required – all pages. Utility bill cannot be more than 45 days from the issue date. They must include both sides with your name and address on it. Disconnect and/or shut off notices are not accepted.
    • If you are at risk of disconnection and/or service is already shut off, you must provide the pink disconnection notice as well as last regular bills.

Applications are handled on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

To learn more about LIHEAP and utility bill assistance visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website.

Have a safe - and warm - winter.