Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in the counties of Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby is pleased to announce that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.
The program will begin taking applications on October 1, 2026, for older adults (60+ years), individuals with a disability, families with children age 5 years and under, and households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income eligible households can start applying November 2, 2026.
Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 13, 2027, or until funding is exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed.
The program has expanded eligibility this year. Households that are customers of Ameren Illinois, Liberty Utilities, City of Flora, Village of Louisville, Village of Clay City or Shelby Electric must be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to receive a benefit from LIHEAP.
The monthly income guidelines are as follows:
- 1- $3,990
- 2- $5,410
- 3- $6,830
- 4- $8,250
Households that are customers of all other utilities/energy vendors must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income to receive a benefit from LIHEAP. The income guidelines for that are as follows:
- 1- $3,441
- 2- $4,500
- 3- $5,558
- 4- $6,617
Go to www.cefseoc.org or liheapillinois.com for the income limits for households with 5 members and more.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service.
The following documentation is required for all applications:
- Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
- For all customers new to LIHEAP, and/or for new household members of previous customers, proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) for all household members. Individuals without an SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can still apply and CEFS Outreach offices will advise accordingly.
- A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
- Cash assistance is available for renters who can provide a copy of their lease/rental agreement showing their heating costs are included in the rent.
Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.
Starting on September 21st appointments can be made by contacting the CEFS Effingham County Outreach office at 1010 W. Jefferson St. Effingham, phone 217-347-7514 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In order that no one is denied the opportunity to make an application we will continue to take applications in person or by phone. Required documentation can be submitted in-person, mail or electronically. If you require any special accommodation, please contact the local CEFS Outreach office in your county to arrange.
Income eligible LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois will receive a monthly discount on their natural and/or electric bill through the Low-Income Discount Rates. Visit powerbilldiscount.com to know more details.
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