Effingham, IL -(Effingham Radio)- The C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation will begin accepting applications for the 2019 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) on Monday October 1, 2018. This is the first day that appointments can be made for the program. Appointments can be made by contacting the local C.E.F.S. County Outreach offices.
October and November are priority months. Starting on Monday, October 1st households that have either a member aged 60 and above or are disabled may begin applying.
On Thursday November 1st, households that have children under age 6 may also start applying. Proof of age will be required. Households who are disconnected from their utilities will also be allowed to apply for the program during November. In addition, households who are within 7 days of being disconnected or have less than 25% in their propane tank and are unable to secure a delivery on credit may also apply during November.
Assistance will become available to all other income-eligible households beginning December 3, 2018. LIHEAP provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with winter energy bills and for reconnection of energy service.
Items needed at the time of application are: proof of all household income for the previous 30 days, including the day of application, Social Security cards for all members of the household, and current heating and electric bills. This will be the last season that Medicare cards can be accepted as proof of social security numbers. This will be the last season that Medicare cards can be accepted as proof of social security numbers.
Thirty-day income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP for the 2019 program by size of household are as follows:
- 1 – $1,518
- 2 – $2,058
- 3 – $2,598
- 4 – $3,138
- 5 – $3,678
For each additional member add $540.
In order that no one is denied the opportunity to make an application any special accommodations that are needed should be arranged by contacting the local county C.E.F.S. Outreach Office. All our offices will accommodate applicants that require special arrangements for their appointments; these include applicants that are limited English proficient, homebound, hearing impaired, or are otherwise disabled.
Applications for LIHEAP are taken on a first-come, first served basis. Appointments can be made by contacting the C.E.F.S. Effingham County Outreach Office 202 N. Banker St, Effingham phone (217) 347-7514.
Funding for LIHEAP is provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation is the local administering agency for Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby counties. The program runs until May 31, 2019, or until funding is exhausted.