Illinois LIHEAP Energy Assistance for Kinship Caregivers

Heating Bills Hit Harder When You're Raising Someone Else's Child

Adding a child to your household raises every utility cost — more laundry, more hot water, a bedroom that needs heat. For grandparents and relative caregivers on fixed incomes, the winter heating bill can become the expense that breaks the budget.

Illinois LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) provides a one-time benefit for home energy costs. Illinois also has a Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), but new enrollment can close between program years; ask your local agency whether applications are being accepted.

LIHEAP Eligibility

LIHEAP is a household-based program. Everyone living in the home — you, the grandchild, any other household members — counts toward household size and income.

Income limit: For households using Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas, or Peoples Gas, gross income for the 30 days before applying must be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines: $5,410 for a household of two and $6,830 for three in the 2027 program year. Households served by federally funded utilities use a limit of 60% of State Median Income.

If you receive TANF, SNAP, or another IDHS benefit, bring proof of that benefit if available; the local agency still reviews your LIHEAP eligibility.

What counts as income: The application uses gross income for all household members during the 30 days before applying. Bring proof for each household member, including fixed income such as Social Security or VA benefits.

What You Get

LIHEAP in Illinois works in two tiers:

One-time heating assistance: The Direct Vendor Payment is a one-time benefit based on the program payment schedule and your eligibility. It is generally paid to the utility or fuel vendor; when heat is included in rent, an eligible benefit may be paid to you.

PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan): PIPP uses monthly benefits and on-time payment credits for enrolled customers. New applications may not be open; ask your local agency about current enrollment and terms.

Illinois also has a Home Weatherization Assistance Program for eligible households. Ask your local agency which weatherization services are available in your area.

Important: LIHEAP and Your SNAP Benefits

A recent federal change under Public Law 119-21 affects how LIHEAP interacts with SNAP. Previously, receiving even a small LIHEAP payment automatically qualified your household for the higher Standard Utility Allowance when calculating SNAP benefits.

Now, a LIHEAP grant of $21 or more confers automatic SUA eligibility only to households with a Qualifying Member — someone aged 60 or older, or someone with a disability. If you're a grandparent over 60, you still get the automatic SUA. If you're a younger relative caregiver without a disability, you'll need to verify your actual utility costs for SNAP purposes instead.

This matters because the Standard Utility Allowance ($565/month in Illinois for FY 2027) can significantly increase your SNAP benefit. Make sure your caseworker knows if anyone in the household is over 60 or disabled.

How to Apply

LIHEAP is administered through local agencies, not through the ABE portal.

Find your local agency: Visit helpillinoisfamilies.com or call the Help Illinois Families Call Center at 1-833-711-0374 for help with the Request for Services form. The form starts the process; the local agency completes your application and confirms eligibility. You can also contact the local agency serving your county directly.

Application window: The 2027 program year runs from October 1, 2026, through August 13, 2027, or until funds are exhausted. Adults aged 60 or older, people with a disability, households with a child age 5 or younger, and households that are disconnected, have a disconnect date within 7 days, or have less than 25% in their propane tank could apply starting October 1; other income-eligible households could apply starting November 1.

What to bring:

• Proof of gross income for each household member for the past 30 days (such as a pay stub or proof of Social Security, VA, or DHS benefits)
• A heating or electric bill issued within the last 30 days if you pay the energy vendor directly
• Social Security card or ITIN for residents who have them; residents without either can still apply
• If heat is included in rent, a lease showing the utilities, monthly rent, and landlord contact information

After the application is complete, the local agency must notify you of approval or denial within 30 days; payments are made within 45 days after approval. The Help Illinois Families request form is a first step, and the local agency confirms eligibility and benefit amount.

Stacking Energy Help With Other Benefits

LIHEAP can affect your SNAP Standard Utility Allowance: under Public Law 119-21, a grant of at least $21 provides automatic SUA eligibility only to a household with a member aged 60 or older or with a disability. Tell your caseworker about LIHEAP, and check with the relevant agency about how it affects other benefits.

For kinship households juggling multiple applications, energy assistance is one of the quickest wins — a single appointment can knock hundreds off your heating bill. The Illinois kinship financial help guide maps out every program you and the child may qualify for, including the order to apply in so each approval makes the next one easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get LIHEAP if I rent and utilities are included in my rent?

Yes. If heat is included in your rent, bring a lease showing the included utilities, monthly rent, and landlord contact information. If eligible, you may receive a one-time cash benefit rather than a vendor payment.

How often can I apply for LIHEAP?

LIHEAP provides one standard benefit per program year. Eligible households may also qualify for Reconnection Assistance if they have a disconnection notice or are disconnected. Ask your local agency whether PIPP is accepting new applications and what recertification is required.

Does LIHEAP cover electric bills or just gas/heating?

LIHEAP helps with eligible home energy costs, including heating gas, propane, and electricity. DCEO currently does not anticipate administering a summer cooling assistance program; check Keep Cool Illinois for cooling centers and safety information.

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