If you’re experiencing financial difficulties, there are resources that may be available to help you with your energy bill. We encourage you to contact these programs and organizations to see if you are eligible for assistance.

 

Explore each option to learn their current eligibility requirements and the deadlines to apply.

 

LIHEAP helps low-income families pay their energy bills. Each state receives and administers funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services block grants, so programs vary by state. We encourage customers to apply as soon as possible for LIHEAP to ensure they receive the assistance they need. 

 

Illinois LIHEAP – To be eligible for LIHEAP in Illinois, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 60% of the state median income level for the 30 days prior to the application’s filing.

 

For example, a single-person household is eligible with a 30-day gross income at or below $3,332, and a family of four is eligible with a 30-day gross income at or below $6,407.

 

To apply, contact Project NOW, Inc. at www.projectnow.org or 309-793-6391. Residents can also call the state’s LIHEAP hotline at 833-711-0374. For more information about the Illinois LIHEAP program, visit the state's Utility Bill Assistance website.

 

Iowa LIHEAP – Community action agencies in Iowa review applications and administer grant funds. Household income and size, type of primary heating fuel, housing type and other factors are considered. 

 

To be eligible for LIHEAP in Iowa, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 200% of 2025 federal poverty guidelines. For example, a single-person household is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $31,300. A family of four is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $64,300.

 

You can apply for LIHEAP through your local community action agency. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has additional information about the program and eligibility requirements. You can also find eligibility requirements information by dialing 211.

 

Nebraska LIHEAP – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services administers the state’s LIHEAP assistance.

 

To be eligible for LIHEAP in Nebraska, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. For example, a single-person household can qualify with an annual gross income at or below $23,475, and a family of four can qualify with an annual gross income at or below $48,225.

 

LIHEAP application forms are available through the iServe Nebraska website, by phone at 800-383-4278 or at a local Nebraska DHHS office.

 

South Dakota LIEAP – South Dakota’s Department of Social Services distributes Low-Income Energy Assistance Program funds on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Eligibility for South Dakota’s LIEAP is based on the number of people residing in the home, type and cost of heating, and the household income.

 

For example, a single-person household can qualify with a maximum three-month income of $7,825 or less and a four-person household can qualify with a maximum three-month income of $16,075 or less.

 

Apply for South Dakota LIEAP through the South Dakota Department of Social Services website, by phone at 800-233-8503 or at local DSS offices.