Macomb, Illinois, August 11, 2021 – The Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA), administrator of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Hancock, Henderson, McDonough and Warren counties, is pleased to announce that grant funds are available to help income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and electric bills, and with furnace assistance. 

LIHEAP provides one-time benefits to income-eligible homeowners/renters to help them with their energy bills and with reconnection of energy service, if applicable. The next round of the program will begin September 1, 2021 for all income-eligible households. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through May 31, 2022. There will be no priority groups this program year. 

Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive a LIHEAP benefit. The income guidelines are as follows: $2,147 for a one-person household; $2,903 for a two-person household; $3,660 for a three-person household; and $4,417 for a four-person household. Visit WIRC-CAA’s website at wirpc.org/liheap/ or call 309-837-2997 to see income limits for households with five members or more. Depending on your specific situation, you may be given the option to accept a one-time payment to your utility provider through LIHEAP or to enroll in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP).

PIPP is available for LIHEAP-eligible households who are customers of one of the following utilities: Ameren Illinois; ComEd; Nicor Gas; North Shores Gas; or Peoples Gas. PIPP consists of a monthly benefit that will be applied to your utility bill as long as you make your on-time monthly utility payment. The amount of assistance you receive will be determined during your appointment. PIPP applicants will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis. The program will be offered until March 31, 2022 or when WIRC-CAA has reached the maximum capacity of households for the program. Increasing PIPP enrollment is a program goal for this year.  

The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP and PIPP are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income and the number of persons living in the household.  

 

Propane customers are encouraged to apply when the program opens in September to take greater advantage of lower propane prices.  Propane prices typically increase during the winter months, so propane users who apply early will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.

Households in need in the four-county area are encouraged to call WIRC-CAA at 309-837-2997 to schedule an appointment. Applications are being taken by phone until further notice.

To apply, you MUST submit the following documentation:

1. Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.

2. Proof of Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. (Individuals without an SSN or ITIN can still apply and WIRC-CAA will advise accordingly). 

3. A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.

4. Other documents may be needed based on household situation.  If you have questions regarding this, please call WIRC-CAA. 

5. A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact. 

Please call WIRC-CAA at 309-837-2997 starting on August 16, 2021 to schedule an appointment, for information on what documents are needed to apply, and to learn how to complete an application.

WIRC & CAA is a multifaceted agency that serves multiple counties in western Illinois. The Agency’s Community Action Agency Department provides a wide range of social service programs for people in need, including a food pantry, clothing center, energy assistance program, and more. For more information about WIRC & CAA, visit their website at wirpc.org, find Western Illinois Regional Council & Community Action Agency on social media, or call their office at (309) 837-2997. 

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