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Illinois LIHEAP 2026-2027: October Priority Applications and November Opening

Illinois has opened the 2026-2027 LIHEAP season, with priority applications first and other income-eligible households starting later. Check your application group before contacting your local agency.

Last checked: October 7, 2026.

Quick summary

  • Priority groups began October 1, 2026.
  • Other income-eligible households begin November 1, 2026.
  • The season ends August 13, 2027, or earlier if funding runs out.

Confirm your opening date on DCEO's application guide.

What help is available?

LIHEAP helps eligible households with gas, propane and electricity costs. Payments go to energy providers, and awards depend on household circumstances. Crisis and furnace assistance may also be available. The state does not promise a fixed payment to every applicant. See the 2026 program announcement.

Who can apply now?

The October group includes adults age 60 or older, people with disabilities, households with a child age five or younger, and households disconnected from energy service, facing a disconnect date within seven days, or with less than 25% in their propane tank. Other income-eligible households start November 1.

Check income eligibility

DCEO uses gross household income for the 30 days before applying. Its current guide lists a $8,250 limit for a four-person household served by Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas or Peoples Gas. Different limits apply to federally funded utility or energy-vendor households. Ask your agency which rule applies; do not treat this example as approval.

Prepare your documents

  • Income records for the past 30 days.
  • A recent heating or electric bill.
  • SSN or ITIN documentation, if available; residents without either can still apply.
  • Your lease if heat is included in rent.
  • Records of public benefits you receive.

Check the complete document list in DCEO's guide before your appointment.

How to apply and follow up

  1. Use Help Illinois Families to find the official county-agency directory and request assistance.
  2. Complete the application with your local agency. The online Request for Services form only asks for contact and service information; it is not a completed LIHEAP application.
  3. Keep copies and ask the agency how to check your case.

For disconnection emergencies, contact the county agency directly. DCEO says to follow up directly if a service request receives no response after three weeks. Help with the request form is available at 1-833-711-0374.

Common questions

Is there an application fee? No. Help Illinois Families says there is no fee for requesting service or receiving benefits.

Does submitting the request guarantee assistance? No. Agency review, documentation and available funding still matter.

Before you submit

Use the official agency links below, confirm your application group, and ask about any missing records before submitting sensitive information.

Disclaimer

Statewise Apply Guide is an independent informational website. It is not a government agency, benefits office, law firm, financial advisor, or official application portal. We do not process applications, determine eligibility, issue payments, or provide legal, tax, financial, or benefits advice. Program details, deadlines, eligibility rules, and application links may change. Always confirm information with the official agency before applying.

Official sources

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