SE Illinois News

State Senator Dale Fowler has urged residents to explore utility assistance programs, highlighting the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as a valuable resource. "LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households cover the cost of their energy bills," he said in an October 7 Facebook post.

"With winter fast approaching, qualified Illinois residents are encouraged to take advantage of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program," said Fowler, according to Facebook. "LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households cover the cost of their energy bills. The application period is now open for priority groups, including senior citizens, households with disabled family members, families with children younger than age five, and individuals facing imminent disconnection. Starting November 1, all income-eligible households will be able to apply for assistance."

According to Fowler's post, he shared a link to a Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website that provides information on community action agencies and available programs for Illinois residents. LIHEAP assists households with payments for home energy services, including heating gas, propane, and electricity. Applicants must submit a request for services form by April 15, 2025, or apply through a local administering agency until August 15, 2025, or later if funding remains available.

Screenshot of Sen. Dale Fowler's Oct. 7 Facebook post | State Senator Dale Fowler's Facebook page

Households may qualify for assistance if their monthly income does not exceed $6,993 for six individuals. The eligibility range for 30-day gross income spans from $2,510 for a single-person household to $6,993 for a household of six. Local agencies can provide information for larger households. To establish eligibility, applicants must verify income with documents such as pay stubs or checks showing fixed income amounts, utility bills if seeking utility assistance, and social security cards for each household member who possesses one. Illinois residents are advised to collaborate with local agencies in their counties to complete an application. The request for services form is not an application for the program itself, according to DCEO.

Applications for LIHEAP are accepted from October 1 to August 15. Individuals over 60 years old, disabled individuals, households with at least one child under five years of age, or those who have already experienced utility disconnection may apply starting October 1. All other households can apply beginning November 1.

Fowler represents constituents from Illinois' 59th Senate District. His official Senate biography notes that before joining the state senate, he served as mayor of Harrisburg and currently works as a business development officer at People’s National Bank in Harrisburg after retiring from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice in 2012. His political and civic experience includes roles as a city commissioner and Saline County Board member. Fowler also chairs the Midland Institute’s Saline County CEO program focused on educating youths about entrepreneurial opportunities.