Senior citizens in Illinois do not have to endure cold winters and hot summers without utilities because they are struggling to pay their bills. Assistance is available for qualifying senior citizens in Illinois through federal and state utility assistance programs. Some assistance is also offered directly through local utility companies.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Senior citizens whose incomes are equal to or at 150 percent of the federal poverty level can apply to receive financial assistance to help pay their utilities through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Even if their income falls into the income guidelines level for just 30 days they can apply for assistance. For example, if senior citizens in Illinois live alone, their income cannot exceed $1,354 a month or $16,245 a year. Should senior citizens live with another person, their income cannot exceed $1,821 a month or $21,855 a year. Seniors can avoid having their energy turned off by contacting the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity as soon as they receive a shutoff notice. LIHEAP funds are paid directly to the utility company from which senior citizens receive their energy.
Senior Citizen Discount
City, Water, Light and Power provides financial assistance to senior citizens who are 62 years of age or older. Their names must appear on the local energy or utility accounts from which they receive gas, water or electricity. To qualify for the energy assistance, income that senior citizens receive cannot exceed 275 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. For example, senior citizens who live alone cannot receive more than $29,948 a year in annual income. Senior citizens can apply for assistance by contacting City, Water, Light and Power. A copy of their birth certificate, driver's license, Medicare card and annual tax return are required.
Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends
Senior citizens who get their energy through Ameren can receive financial assistance to help pay their utility bills through the company's Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends program. The maximum number of times Illinois seniors can receive the assistance during a 12-month period is two. To receive the assistance, senior citizens' incomes must range between 150 and 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Aid through the year-round energy assistance program is provided in amounts up to $750 as of 2011.
Weatherization Assistance
Through the Illinois Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP), senior citizens can register to have an energy specialist come to their homes and make changes to their property to lower their energy bills. For example, senior citizens can have cracks in their windows sealed, insulation installed in their attics and/or walls, or their furnace replaced or repaired. Qualifying senior citizens can receive up to $7,500 of service free of charge. Their income must equal 200 percent of the federal poverty level. IHWAP is administered through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
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