CEFS Says LIHEAP Funds Still Available

The C.E.F.S Economic Opportunity Corporation’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) still has energy assistance funding available for winter utility assistance. Any household that has applied as of September 1, 2016 or after would not be eligible to apply again, unless they are being disconnected from their utility service. LIHEAP provides one-time grants to help income eligible households pay for their winter utility expenses.

C.E.F.S. began taking LIHEAP applications last September for the current program year 2017. To date in Effingham county energy benefits totaling $328,785.00 have been approved for 703 households. The average payment per household was $468. Additionally, in Effingham county 80 households received $28,053.00 in emergency reconnection assistance. The average reconnection assistance payment was $351.

Items needed at the time of application are: the households proof of all income for the previous 30 days including the day of application, proof of Social Security numbers for all members of the household and current heating and electric bills.

30-day income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP for the 2017 program by size of household are as follows:                                                         

1          -           $1,485

2          -           $2,003

3          -           $2,520

4          -           $3,038

5          -           $3,555           

For each additional member add $520.

In order that no one is denied the opportunity to make an application any special accommodations that are needed should be arranged by contacting the local county C.E.F.S. Outreach Office. All the C.E.F.S. offices will accommodate applicants that require special arrangements for their appointments; these include applicants that are homebound, hearing impaired, or are otherwise disabled.

Appointments for LIHEAP can be made by contacting the C.E.F.S. Effingham County Outreach office at 202 N. Banker St. Effingham, phone 217-347-7514, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Funding for LIHEAP is provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation is the local administering agency for Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby counties.