Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA) in Macomb is still open during the Coronavirus pandemic and continuing to offer an energy assistance program to help people in need. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program designed to help low-income individuals with paying their winter home energy bills. WIRC-CAA administers the program in Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, and Warren counties in western Illinois.
Due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic, the income guidelines for LIHEAP have increased from 150% to 200% of the poverty level. Anyone in need can apply at any time. A household may qualify if the gross income for all household members for a 30 day income period does not exceed the following levels: $2,127 for a one-person household; $2,873 for a two-person household; $3,620 for a three-person household; and $4,367 for a four-person household. For each additional household member, add $747.
Households who have not applied for this program since July 27, 2020 should call WIRC-CAA to apply at (309) 837-2997 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or visit http://www.helpillinoisfamilies.com/. In an effort to follow the CDC guidelines, LIHEAP applications are being taken by phone and mail until further notice.
Beth Carson, WIRC-CAA’s LIHEAP Coordinator, is encouraging households to apply sooner rather than later as appointments are quickly filling up. She also said individuals who have recently lost their job or had their hours significantly reduced are encouraged to apply.
WIRC’s Community Action Agency department provides efficient and diverse human services to help individuals and families help themselves, including a food pantry, clothing center, energy assistance program, and more. For more information, visit wirpc.org, find WIRC & CAA on social media, or call (309) 837-2997.
***Report Courtesy of Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA)***
