The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has announced that seniors and people with disabilities can start applying for winter heating assistance October 1. Registration for help through the Home Energy Assistance Program will be available locally through the East Central Illinois Community Action Agency. The agency serves people living in Vermilion, Ford and Iroquois Counties.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a state and federally funded energy assistance program for individuals and families with low income. The program pays heating bills on behalf of those who are eligible. A single person can receive up to $1,561 a month and qualify. A two-person household can receive up to $2,114 a month. A family of three can get up to $2,666 a month, and a four-person household can receive up to $3,219 a month and still qualify for assistance. Benefits are paid directly to energy vendors on behalf of eligible households. The exception is households whose heating costs are included in their rent.

Households where power has been disconnected and families with children 5 and under can apply for Home Energy Assistance Program help starting on November 1st. Individuals not eligible for priority enrollment can apply beginning December 1st.

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