September 24, 2024

Quincy— The Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in Adams, Brown, Pike and Schuyler Counties, is pleased to announce that funds are 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 on October 1, 2024 for older adults (60 years +), individuals with a disability, families with children five and under 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 November 1, 2024.

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% 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:

2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines for 200% of Poverty for 2025 Program Year

Family Size30 Day IncomeAnnual Income
1  $2,510$30,120
$3,407$40,880
$4,303$51,640
$5,200$62,400
$6,097$73,160
$6,993$83,920
$7,890$94,680
$8,427$101,127

 *Program Year 2025 Income Guidelines are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines and State Median Income. The state reserves the right to adjust these levels based on the availability of federal appropriations.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (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 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 at our Adams County office located at 706 Maine, Quincy; 217-224-8171, Brown County office at 206 SW Cross Mt Sterling; 217-773-3141, Pike County office at 120 S Madison in Pittsfield; 217-285-5424 and Schuyler County at 220 W Washington St Rushville at 217-322-6916. 

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

  1. Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
  2. 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 Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials will advise accordingly.
  3. A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
  4. A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact.
  5. Other documents may be needed based on your household situation.  If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.

Beginning October 1, 2024 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 to know more details.

Please call Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials at 217-224-81741 for outreach locations and schedules, and for information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit your application.

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