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.

 

You might qualify for assistance even if you haven’t in the past. Some of these resources have expanded their eligibility to help those who have been impacted by COVID-19. 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.

 

Illinois LIHEAP - To be eligible for LIHEAP in Illinois, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 200% of 2021 federal poverty guidelines.

 

For example, a single-person household is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $25,760, and a family of four is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $53,000.

 

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible for LIHEAP to ensure they receive the assistance they need. 

 

To apply, contact Project NOW, Inc. at www.projectnow.org or 309-793-6391. Residents can also call the state’s LIHEAP hotline at 877-411-WARM (9276).

 

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 2021 federal poverty guidelines. For example, a single-person household is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $25,760. A family of four is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $53,000.

 

You can apply for LIHEAP through your local community action agency. The Iowa Department of Human Rights has additional information about the program and eligibility requirements. 

 

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 2020 federal poverty guidelines. For example, a single-person household can qualify with an annual gross income at or below $19,320, and a family of four can qualify with an annual gross income at or below $39,750.

 

LIHEAP application forms are available through the ACCESSNebraska 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 3-month income of $6,440 or less and a four-person household can qualify with a maximum 3-month income of $13,250 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.

 

 

Several states currently offer limited-time pandemic-related utility bill and utility debt assistance if they experienced a COVID-19-related loss:

 

If you're a resident of Rock Island, Mercer or Henry county and have been financially impacted by COVID-19, you may qualify for additional utility bill assistance, based on your income. To apply, contact Project NOW, Inc. at projectnow.org or 309-793-6391. Limited funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

The Iowa Finance Authority launched a new rent and utility assistance program in March 2021. The program provides utility payment assistance for charges incurred after March 13, 2020, for renter households with incomes lower than or equal to 80% of Area Median Income. Learn more details at iowafinance.com. This program is not available to Polk County or City of Des Moines residents. Residents of those areas can seek assistance through their local community action agency, IMPACT. Learn more at impactcap.org.