Winter heating bills can put a serious dent in your budget—but some Chicago households could qualify for help, even with a six-figure-adjacent income.
A four-person Illinois household served by Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas or Peoples Gas may qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) with gross income of up to $8,250 in the 30 days before applying. That’s the equivalent of $99,000 a year.
For customers of those utilities, the income limit is 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. Different limits apply to some other households, including those using oil or propane and renters seeking cash assistance because heat is included in their rent.
Some households can apply now. For everyone else who qualifies, applications open November 1.
Who can apply for heating assistance now?
LIHEAP’s early “Priority Period” opened October 1 for:
- Households with someone age 60 or older.
- Households with someone living with a disability.
- Households with children age 5 or younger.
- Households already disconnected from their utilities, facing a shutoff date within seven days, or with less than 25% remaining in their propane tank.
All other eligible households can apply beginning November 1. Applications remain open through August 13, 2027, or until funding runs out.
Illinois has $240 million available for the program. During the 2025–26 program year, assistance averaged $676 per household. Benefits generally go directly to energy providers, though qualifying renters whose heat is included in rent may receive cash assistance.
How to apply in Chicago and suburban Cook County
The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA) administers LIHEAP in Chicago and suburban Cook County.
You can apply through CEDA’s online portal or at a Partner Intake Site. For help applying or finding a location, call (800) 571-2332.
Applications are first-come, first-served. CEDA says it determines eligibility within 30 days and mails a notice.
Before applying, gather:
- Proof of your household’s gross income for the previous 30 days.
- Your most recent heating and/or electric bill, issued within the past 30 days, if you pay those costs directly.
- A Social Security card or ITIN for each household member who has one. Household members without either can still apply.
- Your lease or rental agreement showing that heat is included in rent, the monthly rent amount, and your landlord’s contact information, if applicable
- Proof of TANF, SNAP, or other public benefits, if applicable
Renters seeking cash assistance must also meet separate income requirements and show that their monthly rent exceeds 30% of household income.
Already disconnected or facing an imminent shutoff? CEDA’s Reconnection Assistance can provide up to $2,000 to help restore service or prevent disconnection. You must apply at a Partner Intake Site—not through the online portal.
Illinois also offers an online Request for Services form, which prompts a local agency to follow up by phone or email about eligibility and next steps. For help with that form, call 1-833-711-0374.
More ways to lower your energy bills
Not eligible for LIHEAP? You may still have options.
Income-eligible customers of ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas, Peoples Gas and Ameren Illinois may qualify for additional bill discounts or income-based assistance through their utility—even if they don’t qualify for LIHEAP. Contact your provider to check eligibility.
At Peoples Gas, discounts can reach 83% year-round, depending on household income. That maximum applies only to the lowest-income tier, not every eligible customer.
Peoples Gas also offers Share the Warmth, which provides one-time grants to qualifying heating customers. Check eligibility at cedaorg.net or call CEDA at (800) 571-2332.
