Hastings urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program
State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging all eligible residents to apply for the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help them pay high utility bills.
Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.
“Families should not be forced to choose between putting food on the table and keeping the lights on,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This program highlights our state’s commitment to helping neighbors in need.”
Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills.
Last year’s LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.
Beginning Oct. 2, eligible families can apply to this year’s program by visiting HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or by visiting their local agency (a list of partners throughout the state can be found here). Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.
“LIHEAP has provided vital support to families, seniors and individuals living with disabilities that have struggled to keep up with the cost of their energy bills,” said Hastings. “I’m urging all qualified individuals to apply to this year’s program to help keep them safe as temperatures drop.”
All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP.
His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].
Follow RayHanania at Twitter
- Loop’s declining value fuels record 16.7% jump in median property tax bill for Chicago homeowners - November 17, 2025
- Third-party notices tell you if a relative or anyone you know misses a tax payment - November 14, 2025
- Orland Fire hosts annual holiday Toy Drive for needy families/children - November 14, 2025
Comments on “Hastings urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program”