Politics
Illinois Heating Bill Help Open Now: Who Qualifies for LIHEAP
NAPERVILLE, IL — Illinois residents worried about rising winter heating bills may qualify for financial assistance now, with additional households becoming eligible to apply beginning Nov. 1 as colder
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-20T20:04:58.861Z
NAPERVILLE, IL — Illinois residents worried about rising winter heating bills may qualify for financial assistance now, with additional households becoming eligible to apply beginning Nov. 1 as colder weather approaches.
According to Nicor Gas, applications are currently open for qualifying customers through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program LIHEAP , a federally funded program designed to help households manage energy expenses and maintain essential utility service.
Who Can Apply for Heating Assistance Now? The current application period prioritizes income qualified households that include:
Adults age 60 and older Individuals with disabilities Families with children age 5 or younger Households facing utility disconnection or receiving a disconnection notice within seven days Applications for all other income eligible households open Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026.
For a family of four, the income eligibility threshold is $8,250 per month, equivalent to $99,000 annually.
Eligibility is based on combined household gross income during the 30 days before applying, along with other program requirements.
Additional Help Available for Nicor Gas Customers Beyond LIHEAP, Nicor Gas offers several programs designed to help customers manage energy expenses.
Its Sharing Program provides qualifying households with one time grants of up to $700.
The Energy Aide Program offers grants of up to $250 toward past due balances.
Customers enrolled in LIHEAP and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan may also qualify for monthly gas bill discounts through the Low Income Discount Program.
Additional options include payment arrangements, budget billing and energy efficiency assistance.
How Illinois Residents Can Apply Residents can review eligibility requirements and application instructions through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Application assistance: 1 833 711 0374
Website: HelpIllinoisFamilies.com
Nicor Gas encourages eligible households to seek assistance before winter heating costs increase.
The programs are intended to help qualifying families maintain reliable utility service while managing household expenses during the colder months.