Madison County Community Development Announces the Start of Energy Assistance Program

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County is now taking applications for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) starting next month.

Madison County Community Development announced funding is available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.

The program will begin taking applications Oct. 1 for

• Adults 60-year-old and older,
• Individuals with disabilities,
• Families with children under the age of six and
• Households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank.

All other income eligible households can start applying Nov. 1.

Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 15, 2025, or until funding is exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed.

Households must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level to receive a benefit from LIHEAP. The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income and the number of persons living in the household. The income guidelines are as follows: 1- $2,510, 2- $3,407, 3- $4,303, 4- $5,200. Please visit: https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/community_development/energy_assistance_program_(liheap).php or liheapillinois.com to know income limits for households with 5 members and more.

LIEAP provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service. Propane customers who are part of the priority group are encouraged to apply when the program opens in October.

Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so by applying early propane customers will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.

Applications will be taken by appointment only. Due to the high volume of applicants MCCD will not mail applications. Call for an appointment at the intake locations (See attached location sheet)

To submit an application, you MUST submit ALL documentation required:

• Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
• For all customers new to LIHEAP, and/or for new household members of previous customers, proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without a SSN or ITIN can still apply and Madison County Community Development will advise accordingly.
• A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
• A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact.
• Other documents may be needed based on your household situation, such as proof of SNAP benefits and/or TANF. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.

Beginning Oct. 1, income eligible LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas will receive a monthly discount on their natural gas bill through the new Low Income Discount Rates. Visit liheapillinois.com or https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/community_development/energy_assistance_program_(liheap).php for more details.

Please call at Madison County Community Development at (618) 296-6485, or email: Liheap2@madisoncountyil.gov, for outreach locations and schedules, and for information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit your application.