A local non-profit is reminding people that the income guidelines for LIHEAP are changing.
Anita Russell with Community Action explains the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, provides financial support to low-income individuals and families when it comes to their energy bills. She says the guidelines to determine if someone is considered low income have changed this year.
Once you are approved to receive LIHEAP assistance, Russell says the amount you get is dependent on the number of people who live in the household and the total household income.
When it comes to when the funds approved can be used, Russell indicates the decision is completely up to the individual, as long as it is used for energy bills. Some use the credit immediately, while others wait until a time when they know money will be tight.
Russell mentions once LIHEAP funds are gone, they are gone. The program begins on October 1st and runs until August 15; however, last year, they ran out of funding in early May. She adds that if you miss out, Ameren Illinois also has good financial assistance programs.
To learn more about applying for LIHEAP and all of the services offered by Community Action, visit capcil.info or find Community Action on Facebook.
