Project NOW, Inc. announced that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will begin taking applications on Wednesday, Oct. 1, for income-eligible households in the western Illinois counties of Henry, Mercer, and Rock Island.
The program provides assistance with natural gas, propane, and electric bills, as well as furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.
Priority applications for older adults (60+), individuals with disabilities, families with children under six, and households facing disconnections or low propane levels will be accepted beginning Oct. 1. All other income-eligible households can apply beginning Saturday, Nov. 1.
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until Aug. 15, 2026, or until funds are depleted.
This year, eligibility has expanded to households at or below 60% of the state median income. For example, the 30-day income guidelines are $3,332 for one person and $4,357 for two people. More income limits are available at www.projectnow.org or liheapillinois.com.
Propane customers in the priority group are encouraged to apply in October to maximize their benefits before winter price increases.
Applications can be submitted via phone intake, in-person at locations in Rock Island, Aledo, and Kewanee, or online at www.projectnow.org. Required documentation includes proof of all household members’ gross income for the prior 30 days, Social Security numbers (or ITINs) for new applicants and household members, and current heat and electric bills. Renters with utilities included in their rent can provide a lease agreement for cash assistance.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, eligible ComEd customers also will receive a monthly discount on their electric bill through the new Low Income Discount Rates. More details are available at powerbilldiscount.com.
For more information on outreach locations, schedules, required documents, and application methods, please call Project NOW at (309) 793-6391.
