Governor JB Pritzker announce $275 million in funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) programs.
This funding includes an additional $90 million allocated via the CARES Act, allowing the state to increase eligibility for these programs to 1 million income-qualified Illinoisans.
Effective immediately, eligible Illinois residents and families can apply to receive assistance with food, rent, utilities, temporary shelter, medicine and other essential household services.
To learn more about these expanded offerings and to fill out new remote applications made live today, visit: www.helpillinoisfamilies.com
“The work to build a state that serves all its people – no matter who they are or what part of Illinois they call home – is more important than ever as we seek to restore our economy while continuing to prioritize our collective health,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
With the passage of the State’s FY21 budget, an additional $90 million in federal CARES Act funding will be allocated for community assistance programming, making way for a total $275 million investment that will help families impacted by the crisis.
To provide additional relief for families in the face of COVID-19, the Governor’s budget also increases the eligibility income threshold up to 200 percent of federal poverty level.
To connect Illinoisans with expanded program offerings, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has launched a new remote application process that will provide applicants the option to begin the intake process online or over the phone with the assistance of a live agent.
The State’s new website and call center will be accessible for all residents – with assistance provided in English and Spanish, and other languages assisted through translation.
By eliminating the requirement to apply in person, income-eligible applicants can swiftly proceed through the application process from the safety of their own home.
Applicants will be served on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted.
In the coming weeks DCEO will partner with its network of 35 statewide Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to conduct outreach to high-need communities to let them know about this critical funding available, and to inform them of easy steps they can take to apply immediately.
Qualifying participants could receive hundreds of dollars in relief support. Last year, the average household qualifying for LIHEAP received $600 in assistance.
Expanded eligibility for CSBG takes effect immediately. New LIHEAP eligibility will come online at the end of July, residents can still apply for 2020 programing through June 30.
Residents who believe they may be eligible are encouraged to visit the website and follow easy steps to apply immediately. The State is reminding applicants of the following documentation required for applying, depending on type of assistance being sought:
- Proof of employment (paystubs) for the head of the household for the last 30 days.
- Copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days (if they pay for their energy directly).
- Copy of their rental agreement (if they are renting) showing that utilities are not included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact information.
- Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members.
When should I expect to receive an update on my application?
After your pre-application form has been submitted, await a callback from your LAA or CAA to review and confirm your eligibility and determine the amount of your LIHEAP and/or CSBG benefit. The State estimates that a response could range from days to weeks – based on date of pre-application submittal, availability of funds and the type of services applied for. Please keep in mind the volume of requests is very large given the impact of COVID-19 and it may take longer for your application to be processed.
If you believe you are eligible and do NOT need assistance from a live agent, it’s time to start your pre-application form online. Start by identifying your county, and that will route you to the pre-application form linked to the CAA or LAA servicing your county.
START YOUR PRE-APPLICATION TODAY– CLICK HERE
If you need assistance with completing and submitting your application, contact the call center at 1-833-711-0374 for live support. The call center will provide translation services in English, Spanish, and other languages if necessary.
Please keep in mind that our call center has only a limited number of agents, so please reserve use of the call center for those who require help with language assistance and/or for callers with hearing impediments needing enhanced audio services.
