LIHEAP payments: Illinois benefits for water and sewer bills arrive in eight days
Rachel Schilke
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Illinois residents will receive extra benefits to pay for water bills in eight days.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is a federally funded program that assists eligible individuals and families across the country with fuel and cooling costs, as well as avoiding disconnection. It also aids those facing an emergency situation relating to heating equipment or bills.
In Illinois, residents could apply for LIHEAP payments from September 2022 to May 2023. Annual eligibility levels are determined based on available funding and may not exceed 200% of the federal poverty line.
Illinois recipients can also qualify for assistance with water and wastewater bills under Low Income Household Water Assistance, or LIHWAP. While LIHEAP and LIHWAP are different, an Illinois resident can use the same application to apply for both.
Recipients can qualify for LIHWAP if their household is disconnected, in threat of disconnection, or if their household owes more than $50 on a current bill. LIHWAP payments are available year-round.
On July 1, a water and sewer rate reduction benefit will be available to recipients who do not owe money on their water or sewer bills. Those who received a similar benefit prior to July 1 can apply for this benefit as well.
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Assistance payments are made directly to the utility on behalf of the applicant. If the situation is that heat is included in a recipient’s rent, the payment will be made directly to the recipient instead.
Payments will vary based on the cost of heating or water utilities. In Illinois, the heating maximum payment is $2,020, and the minimum payment is $175.