How to apply for Illinois LIHEAP — Low Income Home Energy Assistance + PIPP

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) — delivered through local Community Action Agencies

Who it's for

The Illinois Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, with a one-time benefit and reconnection assistance. Illinois also offers the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) — a year-round plan capping the energy bill at a percentage of income with monthly bill credits. Households at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify (seniors 60+ and disabled get priority/early application). Delivered through local Community Action Agencies (in Cook County, CEDA). Apply via HelpIllinoisFamilies (877-411-9276) or your local agency.

Illinois LIHEAP ≤60% SMI (~$41,290 single, FFY2027); PIPP is the year-round %-of-income option (like Ohio PIPP). Seniors 60+ get priority application windows. Local CAA delivers it (CEDA in Cook).

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 benefits

What you'll need

Proof of all household income (past 30 days)
Recent heating/cooling bills
Proof of Illinois residency
Social Security numbers for all household members
Photo identification

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 877-411-9276

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Illinois LIHEAP — Low Income Home Energy Assistance + PIPP. 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 all household income (past 30 days), recent heating/cooling bills, proof of Illinois residency — 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.

Step by step

Gather proof of all household income from the past 30 days, such as pay stubs, benefit award letters, or pension statements.
Collect a recent heating or cooling bill for your home.
Get proof of Illinois residency, a photo ID, and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household.
Contact your local Community Action Agency to apply — in Cook County, contact CEDA. You can find your local agency by calling 877-411-9276.
Apply online through HelpIllinoisFamilies or by phone at 877-411-9276. Note: seniors age 60 and older receive priority and may have early application windows.
Ask about the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) if you want a year-round option that caps your monthly energy bill at a percentage of your household income.

What to expect: After you submit your application, your local Community Action Agency will review your documents and determine your eligibility. Processing times vary, so ask your agency for an estimate when you apply. If approved for standard LIHEAP, you will receive a one-time benefit applied to your heating or cooling costs; reconnection assistance may also be available. If you enroll in PIPP, monthly bill credits will help keep your energy costs at a manageable percentage of your income year-round. Benefits must be renewed annually, so watch for renewal notices from your agency and reapply each year to keep your assistance active.

Renewals

annual

Official source →Last verified · September 23, 2026

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