Buckle Up for LIHEAP: Your Guide to Energy Assistance in Champaign County

As the cool weather approaches, Champaign County residents have a valuable opportunity to get help with their energy bills.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is gearing up to provide financial support for qualifying households, and the process is about to kick off.

Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this opportunity and ensure you stay warm all winter.
 

Mark Your Calendar: Key Dates for LIHEAP Appointments

Appointments Start: Next week, on Tuesday, September 17, eligible residents can begin scheduling their appointments for the Home Energy Assistance Program.

This is your chance to streamline the application process before it officially opens on October 1.
 

Application Period: Once the application period begins on October 1, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until August 15 of next year.

Early scheduling can give you a head start in securing the support you need.
 

Special Priority: If you’re a senior (60+), an individual with a disability, a family with children under six, or if you’ve received a disconnection notice or have been disconnected from utilities, you’ll have the first opportunity to apply.
 

General Applications: All other eligible households can begin making appointments to apply starting November 1.

See full details here.
 

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for LIHEAP assistance, your household must meet the following criteria:

• Income Limits: Your household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Here’s a quick snapshot of the income guidelines:
  • 1-person household: $2,510 per month
  • 2-person household: $3,407 per month
  • 3-person household: $4,303 per month
  • 4-person household: $5,200 per month

How to Apply:

1. Schedule Your Appointment: Starting September 17, you can book your appointment to apply. Appointments are available at the Regional Planning Commission locations in Urbana, Champaign, and Rantoul.
2. Contact Information: Call 217-384-1226 to schedule your appointment or for more details.
3. Gather Your Documents: To make the application process smoother, be sure to bring the following documents to your appointment:
   • Proof of your household’s gross monthly income
   • Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number for all household members
   • Your most recent heating and electric bills

Find more information on the required documents.
 

Additional Resources

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Learn more about LIHEAP and how it can help with your energy bills. Visit the LIHEAP website.

• Regional Planning Commission: For assistance with scheduling and application, visit the Regional Planning Commission website.

• Utility Assistance Programs: Explore other programs that might provide additional support. Check out the options here.

Stay Warm and Informed

Don’t miss out on this essential support as the temperatures drop.

Scheduling your appointment early and preparing your documents will ensure a smooth process and help you stay warm throughout the winter.

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