Low-income Illinois families can soon begin to apply to receive financial assistance for natural gas, propane, and electricity bills through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

In her e-mail newsletter, State Senator Terri Bryant says the application period begins Monday, under a tiered system, allowing priority groups the first chance to receive available funds, including seniors (age 60 and older), disabled and families with children under the age of 6 years old.

Then, on Nov. 1, households that are disconnected from their utilities/energy vendors, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank can start applying for LIHEAP assistance. All other income-eligible households can start applying on December 1, 2023.

The amount of support families can receive varies based on the needs of the applicants, but last year over 311,000 households received an average of over $1,000.

The eligible income thresholds can be found on the Help Illinois Families website. Families can also call the hotline at 1-833-711-0374 if they think they might be eligible for the program.