Tuesday, Nov. 03, 2009

State receives federal funds for winter heating program

Illinois recently received $174.6 million in federal funds to fund the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

The program is a state and federally funded energy assistance program for low-income families, in which heating bill payments are made on behalf of households.

"Winters in Illinois can be more than just cold -- they can be downright dangerous," said Gov. Pat Quinn. "I urge families -- especially those with young children, seniors and people with disabilities -- to apply for LIHEAP aid so that they stay warm and safe this winter."

A single-person household can qualify with a monthly income of up to $1,354; a two-person household up to $1,821; and a family of four can earn up to $2,756.

Benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of eligible households. The exception is households whose heating costs are included in their rent.

The program applications are processed through a network of 35 local administering agencies around the state. These agencies will accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis from eligible households. The LIHEAP program expects to make energy assistance payments on behalf of more than 300,000 households this winter with a combination of both federal and non-federal funding.

For a complete listing of LIHEAP's local administering agencies and additional information about the program, go to www.LiheapIllinois.com, or call the toll-free hotline at 877-411-WARM.