September 1 is the start-up enrollment period for the program offering area senior citizens and the disabled some help in paying their winter heating bills.

The LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance) Program and PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) are funded as part of the stopgap funding plan signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner.

LIHEAP is a state and federally funded energy assistance program in which heating bill payments are made on behalf of households that qualify.

The East Central Illinois Community Action Agency on North Vermilion Street in Danville is one of the locations where applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting September 1st, 2016. There’s also a local office in Gilman to serve Iroquois County.

The offices have information about the income requirements that have to be met.

• Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30 days leading up to applying;
• A copy of their current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days (if they pay for their energy directly);
• A copy of their rental agreement if they are renting, showing that utilities are included;
• Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members;
• Proof that their household received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled, or other benefits such as Medical Eligibility or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), if receiving assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services.

94.1 WGFA