How to apply for Richland County LIHEAP — Energy Assistance (Richland County) in Illinois
Illinois DCEO — LIHEAP delivered in Richland County by the Embarras River Basin Agency (ERBA)
Who it's for
Illinois LIHEAP helps income-eligible Richland County households pay heating and electric bills. It is run locally by the Embarras River Basin Agency (ERBA), the Community Action Agency for nine east-central Illinois counties. LIHEAP gives a one-time payment toward energy bills, emergency help if you are disconnected or your fuel supplier will not deliver, and emergency furnace repair. ERBA also runs Weatherization and the Warm Neighbors Cool Friends match for Ameren customers just above the LIHEAP income limit. Adults 60 and older, people with disabilities, and households with young children can apply starting October 1; other households can apply starting November 1, until mid-August or until funds run out. Call the ERBA Richland County office in Olney at 618-395-2714 for an appointment, or send an online request through the state's Help Illinois Families form on the Illinois DCEO website (help line 1-833-711-0374).
Richland: LIHEAP via the Embarras River Basin Agency (ERBA) outreach office in Olney. Income limits are set each program year: DCEO uses 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for customers of Ameren, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas, and 60% of State Median Income otherwise. Adults 60+ can apply first (October 1). For Program Year 2027, households that are customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas or Peoples Gas qualify with income at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines ($47,880 a year for one person); other households must be at or below 60% of the state median income ($41,290 for one person).
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Discover my benefitsWhat you'll need
- Proof of income for the past 30 days for each household member (pay stub, or a check or letter showing a fixed income such as SSA, VA, or DHS benefits)
- Your most recent heating bill and/or electric bill from the last 30 days
- Social Security card or ITIN for household members who have one
- If you rent and heat is included: a copy of your rental agreement showing that, the monthly rent, and landlord contact information
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 618-395-2714
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Richland County LIHEAP — Energy Assistance (Richland County). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of income for the past 30 days for each household member (pay stub, or a check or letter showing a fixed income such as SSA, VA, or DHS benefits), your most recent heating bill and/or electric bill from the last 30 days, social Security card or ITIN for household members who have one — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
annual
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.