URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Champaign County is introducing broader eligibility criteria for this program year.

Beginning October 1, eligibility extends to households with adults aged 60 and above, those with children under six, individuals with disabilities, and households experiencing utility disconnections, holding a disconnection notice, or having less than 25% propane remaining in their tank.

The Regional Planning Commission, responsible for administering LIHEAP in Champaign County, announced the availability of funds to help income-eligible households with natural gas, propane, electric bills, and furnace repairs or replacements for non-operational heating systems.

The program will start accepting applications on October 1 for those groups previously mentioned, with in-person applications only. Other eligible households can begin applying on November 1.

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until August 15, 2026, or when funds are depleted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may apply again within the program year for Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance if necessary.

The program has expanded eligibility this year due to a change in the income eligibility criteria. Households with up to 12 members must have an income at or below 60% of the state’s median income to qualify for a benefit from LIHEAP.

Additionally, the 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on State Median Income for households of 12 members or less and 150% Federal Poverty Guidelines for households of 12 or more members.

The income guidelines are as follows:

• One person: $3,332
• Two people: $4,357
• Three people: $5,382
• Four people: $6,407

More information on the income limits for households with five or more people can be found the RPC’s website at ccrpc.org or at liheapillinois.com. LIHEAP 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 urged to apply when the program opens in October. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months according to the RPC, meaning applying early will allow propane customers to see their LIHEAP benefits go further.

All households eligible for LIHEAP in October can start making appointments on Sept. 17. These appointments can be scheduled in-person only at:

• The RPC’s office inside the Brookens Administrative Center at 1776 E Washington Street in Urbana
• 2009 Round Barn Road in Champaign
• The Rantoul Business Center at 601 S Century Boulevard at Suite 1314
• By phone at 217-384-1226

Those making appointments for November and beyond will be able to make appointments in-person, by phone, or through the RPC’s website at ccrpc.org starting Nov. 1. To submit an application, LIHEAP customers have to submit all of the following required documentation:

• 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) for all household members. Individuals without an SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can still apply and the RPC will advise accordingly.
• A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
• Cash assistance is available for renters who can provide a copy of their lease/rental agreement showing their heating costs are included in the rent.
• Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. Questions regarding this can be directed to the RPC’s office.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, income-eligible LIHEAP customers of ComEd will receive a monthly discount on their electric bill through the new Low Income Discount Rates. More details can be found at powerbilldiscount.com.

Additionally, the RPC will also be conduction a number of LIHEAP outreach events throughout Champaign County. Information on locations and times, as well as information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit an application will be posted at ccrpc.org.