Western Egyptian to release grant funds for winter heating

STEELEVILLE - The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a state and federally funded energy assistance program administered for the Illinois Department Commerce and Economic Opportunity through Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council.

The program assists households in Jackson, Perry, Randolph, and Monroe Counties whose household income is 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Benefits of eligible participants will be paid directly to the household's appropriate utility provider or fuel source vendor such as electric, natural gas, propane, oil, and wood.

Beginning Oct. 1, elderly (60 and above) and disabled residents may choose to apply for a home heating benefit through LIHEAP. On Nov. 1, households with a child under the age of 6 or any household that is disconnected or threatened with disconnection from their utility source may also apply. Open enrollment for all income eligible households will begin Dec. 1. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through May 31, 2019 or until funding is depleted, whichever comes first.

An energy assistance application may be attained by going to the outreach office in the county which you live. No appointments will be given with the exception of those residents in Monroe County. Applicants must submit social security cards for everyone in the household, current gas and electric bills, total household income 30 days prior from date of application, and proof that their household received TANF, SNAP, or Medicaid assistance.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Income Guidelines:

Family size of 1 whose household income is 150 percent of the federal poverty level ($1,518 for 30-day period)

Family size of 2 ... ($2,058)

Family size of 3 ... ($2,598)

Family size of 4 ... ($3,138)

Please refer to our Web page at weeoc.org or call the WEEOC Energy Admin Office in Sparta at 618-443-5231 for more information.