Applications Now Open for Program to Help Illinois Families

The State is leveraging federal funds to help Illinois families access and afford home energy assistance and other essential services. Building on the State’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program, the State’s Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) budget provides LIHEAP and CSBG support for eligible Illinoisans seeking assistance to cover costs of utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food, and other household necessities. 

​The LIHEAP application period is October 2, 2023 to August 15, 2024 or until funding is exhausted.  The program will begin taking application on October 2, 2023 for seniors (age 60 and older), disabled and families with children under the age of 6 years old. On November 1, 2023, households disconnected from their utilities/energy vendors, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank can start applying for LIHEAP assistance.  All other income eligible households can start applying on December 1, 2023. ​

The Help Illinois Families initiative has an online Request for Services form to make it easier and faster for individuals and families to remotely request assistance through the LIHEAP and/or CSBG programs. Assistance is subject to funding availability and completion of the form linked below does not guarantee assistance. 

Learn more at  https://dceo.illinois.gov/communityservices/homeweatherization/communityactionagencies/helpillinoisfamilies.html​​