Rising energy costs continue to create challenges for many western Illinois households. WIRC-Community Action Agency (WIRC), a nonprofit, assists eligible families, seniors, and individuals to stay connected to essential utility services through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP helps eligible households to offset the rising cost of home energy bills, especially seniors living on fixed incomes, individuals with disabilities, and working families. WIRC officials are pleased to announce that the agency has once again been authorized to administer LIHEAP in Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties for the upcoming program season.
ELIGIBILITY
WIRC officials note that eligibility guidelines expanded again this year. Customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas, and Peoples Gas may qualify for LIHEAP if their income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Households served by federally funded utilities or energy vendors may qualify with incomes at or below 60% of the State Median Income.
Example income limits include:1 person: $3,990 per month; 2 people: $5,410 per month; 3 people: $6,830 per month; 4 people: $8,250 per month. Households with five or more members can call WIRC or visit https://wirpc.org or liheapillinois.com to know income limits.
APPLICATION WINDOW
The LIHEAP program season begins October 1, 2026, and continues through August 13, 2027, or until available funding is exhausted. As in previous years, priority application periods are available for households considered most vulnerable.
Beginning October 1, applications will be accepted from: Adults age 60 and older; Individuals with disabilities; Families with children age 5 and younger; Households with a utility disconnection notice or disconnected service; and Households with less than 25% fuel remaining in a propane tank.
Beginning November 1, all other income-eligible households may apply.
APPOINTMENT OPTIONS
Appointments are available by phone or in person and must be scheduled in advance. Walk-in appointments are not available due to documentation required for the application.
Through partnerships with local organizations, WIRC will also offer in-person appointments at the Strom Center in Monmouth, the Strom Center in Oquawka, and West Central Illinois Aging Network (Marion Corner Apartments) in Carthage during October, November, and December. WIRC officials note that appointment availability at these outreach sites is limited and often fills quickly.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for LIHEAP, or to determine if you may be eligible, contact WIRC to schedule an appointment. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through August 13, 2027, or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.
Residents of Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, and Warren counties should call the Macomb office at 309-837-2997. Residents of Knox County should call the Galesburg office at 309-837-5115.
APPLY EARLY
WIRC assisted nearly 6,000 households through LIHEAP during the last program season and expects demand to continue. Appointment schedules can fill quickly, and available appointment dates may be several weeks after a household’s initial call.
WIRC strongly encourages households to apply early rather than waiting until they receive a disconnection notice. Early application can help households to avoid interruptions in utility service during periods of high demand.
Funding for LIHEAP is provided by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
WIRC-Community Action Agency is a nonprofit organization that strengthens people and communities throughout western Illinois through local partnerships and community-based services. WIRC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
***Courtesy of the Western Illinois Regional Council & Community Action Agency Facebook Page***
