Applications being taken for energy assistance program

Funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems through  Project NOW, Inc., which is the administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in Henry, Mercer, and Rock Island counties. 

The program started taking applications on Tuesday, Oct. 1,  for older adults (60 years +), individuals with a disability, families with children five and under and households who are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank.  All other income eligible households can start applying Nov. 1. 

Applications will be taken by phone intake and in person at 1830 2nd Ave. Rock Island; 2221 11th St. Rock Island; 605 SW 3rd St., Aledo, Illinois; and 404 E. 3rd St., Kewanee, Illinois. Online applications can also be completed by visiting www.projectnow.org.

Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through Aug. 15, 2025, 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.

Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive a benefit from LIHEAP.  The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income and the number of persons living in the household.   The income guidelines are as follows: 1- $2,510, 2- $3,407, 3- $4,303, 4- $5,200. Go to www.projectnow.org or liheapillinois.com to know income limits for households with 5 members and more.

Beginning Oct 1, income eligible LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas will receive a monthly discount on their natural gas bill through the new Low Income Discount Rates.  Visit liheapillinois.com to know more details.

 Call Project NOW at (309) 793-6391 for outreach locations and schedules, and for information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit your application.