It was announced earlier this week the state will start accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Oct. 1.The Knox County Health Department is now a provider. The program will begin to assist with Priority Group 1 – which consists of households with senior citizens or those who have members with a documented disability. Priority Group 2 appointments can be made beginning on November 1st – which consists of households with children under the age of 6 or who are disconnected from their power sources. The program will be available to all other households beginning December 1st. Applicants must bring proof of social security numbers of everyone in the household, proof of gross income from the past 30 days for all household members, and current heat and electric bills. Those who are applying also need proof of any assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services such as: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or other benefits like Medical Eligibility and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.
A household may also be eligible to receive assistance gross income is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. A single person household may qualify with a monthly gross income of up to $1,518; a two-person household with up to $2,058; and a family of four can earn up to $3,138.
In addition to the one-time LIHEAP benefit, the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) will also be offered to eligible Ameren customers. Under PIPP, households pay a percentage or their income, receive a monthly benefit towards their utility bill, and receive an overdue payment reduction for every on-time payment they make. Eligible households in Knox County may apply for LIHEAP assistance by scheduling an appointment at the Knox County Health Department. When applying, you must have all the social security numbers and proof of gross income for all household members, a current copy of heat and electric bills, and a copy of a rental agreement if applicable. Applicants must also have proof of any assistance being received from the Illinois Department of Human Services. LIHEAP is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. For more information, contact the Knox County Health Department at 344-2224 or visit liheapillinois.com.
