A new state law in Illinois will help more people get support from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program helps low-income families pay their energy bills.
The law will expand LIHEAP eligibility to include people living in subsidized housing and those who spend no more than 30% of their household income on rent. It also applies to people who pay for energy services through their monthly rent.
According to Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro), the goal is to ensure that benefits reach more households. “I’m just looking to make sure that you don’t have like four or five people living in the same house that are all getting the benefit because then that waters down the number of households that could get the benefit,” she said.
Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) explained that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will only provide LIHEAP benefits to one person per household.
This new plan received strong bipartisan support and will take effect on January 1. The change is expected to help many more low-income families in Illinois manage their energy costs.
The expansion of LIHEAP is a significant step forward in providing much-needed assistance to those struggling to pay their energy bills. With the new law, more families in subsidized housing and those with limited income spent on rent will have access to this vital support.
The program aims to make energy bills more affordable for low-income households, ensuring they have the necessary resources to stay warm in winter and cool in summer. This expansion reflects a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and reducing energy insecurity in Illinois.
The law’s implementation on January 1 marks a positive change for many Illinois residents, offering them greater access to financial assistance for their energy needs. As the state works to roll out these new benefits, eligible residents are encouraged to apply and take advantage of the expanded support.
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For updates and more information on the LIHEAP expansion, residents can visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website or contact their local LIHEAP office. This change underscores the importance of helping low-income families maintain their homes and improve their quality of life.
