Funds are available to assist income-eligible households with natural gas, propane and/or electric bills as well as furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems, according to Project NOW, Inc., which administers the State of Illinois’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Henry, Mercer, and Rock Island counties.
The program will begin taking applications on Wednesday, Oct. 1, for older adults (60+ years), individuals with a disability, families with children under the age of 6, and households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% remaining in their propane tank. All other income eligible households can start applying Saturday, Nov. 1.
Applications will be taken by phone and in person at 1830 2nd Ave. Rock Island, and 2221 11th St., Rock Island; 605 ½ SW 3rd St., Aledo; and 404 E. 3rd St., Kewanee. Online applications can also be completed at www.projectnow.org.
Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through Aug. 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed.
The program has expanded eligibility this year. Households must be at or below 60% of the state median income to receive LIHEAP benefits. The LIHEAP 30-day income guidelines are based on State Median Income, Federal Poverty Guidelines, and the number of persons living in the household.
The income guidelines are as follows: 1 resident – $3,332, 2- $4,357, 3- $5,382, 4- $6,407. Go to www.projectnow.org or liheapillinois.com to learn the income limits for households with five or more members.
How to apply
To apply, these documents are required:
- Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
- For all customers new to LIHEAP, and/or for new household members of previous customers, proof of Social Security numbers for all household members. Individuals without a SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can still apply, and Project NOW will advise accordingly.
- A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
- Cash assistance is available for renters who can provide a copy of their lease/rental agreement showing their heating costs are included in the rent.
- Other documents may be needed based on your household situation.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, income-eligible LIHEAP customers of ComEd will receive a monthly discount on their electric bill through the new Low Income Discount Rates. Visit powerbilldiscount.com to know more details.
For more information, call Project NOW at (309) 793-6391.
