Documentation:
Income Guidelines
[Effective July 1, 2012] |
| Family Size |
*Gross Income for 30 days Prior to Application Date |
| LIHEAP |
ComEd Hardship |
| 1 |
$1,396 |
$2,327 |
| 2 |
$1,891 |
$3,152 |
| 3 |
$2,386 |
$3,977 |
| 4 |
$2,881 |
$4,802 |
| 5 |
$3,376 |
$5,627 |
| 6 |
$3,871 |
$6,452 |
| *For each additional person, add |
$495 |
$825 |
Programs end when funds are
exhausted.
- Proof of gross income from all household
members for the 30-day period prior to the
application date.
- Current copy of both sides of the electric bill (if you
pay for your home energy directly)
- Bill must show rates and meter readings
- Proof of Social Security Numbers of all household
members
- If a member of your household receives TANF,
you must bring their Medical Eligibility Card
- Applicants that have their utilities included in the
rent must bring proof of rental agreement
stating monthly rental amount, that utilities are
included, and landlord contact information.
(Rent costs must be greater than 30% of household gross income for 30 days prior to
application).
- Please provide documentation for all circumstances. Proof of all hardships must be within 6 MONTHS. Disability proof must state disability and show monthly amount. Disconnected and final accounts will not be credited. (ComEd HARDSHIP PROGRAM ONLY)
- Medical - Proof of hospitalization, surgery recovery, or medical/prescriptions services that are limiting income and finances. Households with life support equipment.
- Military - Military deployment of one or both head-of-household/parent(s), deployment/activation papers and documents must be provided to prove deployment. Eligibility also includes military personnel returning from active duty with a disability. Proof of circumstances must be provided.
- Senior - Seniors requiring “in home care” and other services resulting in difficulty making “out of pocket” costs, therefore limiting finances. Proofs of these expenses are needed. Eligibility also includes grandparents raising minor grandchildren. Applicants must provide Medicaid/Kidcare card for the grandchild, displaying child’s name, grandparent’s name, and address.
- Disability - Households containing person(s) with a disability, including mental health that severely limit the household’s finances. Medicaid or SSI documents must be provided.
- Loss of Employment or Unexpected Loss of Income
- Termination of employment cannot be a result of an applicant’s negligence. Termination papers or layoff notice must be provided as proof.
- An unexpected loss of income due to SSI reassessment, tax increase, or spousal death. Proof of income loss must be provided.
- A student that was contributing to the household income and is now attending college/university resulting in a reduction of the household income. Proof of full-time student status required (registration documents) and loss of income (check stubs) must be provided.
- Family Crisis - Within the last 6 months, households experiencing the death of an immediate family member or terminal illness of an immediate family member. Death certificate or medical papers must be provided for spouse or affected family member.
- Property Damage - Unexpected reduction of a household’s income due to property damage associated with natural disasters not covered by insurance. Natural disasters include flood, tornado, or wind damage to home or vehicle.
- Victimized by Criminal Activity - Unexpected reduction of a household’s income as a result of being victimized by criminal activity. Provide police report (must have filed within 72 hours of the event) and proof of income loss, ex. lost workdays.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Direct Vendor Payment (DVP)
LIHEAP DVP is designed to assist income-eligible
households with winter energy services, in the form of a one-time benefit payment to the utility
companies that are applied directly to the
household’s energy bills. The amount of the
payment is determined by income, household size,
and fuel type.
LIHEAP Percentage of Income Payment Program [PIPP]
LIHEAP PIPP provides a monthly benefit payment to the utilities based on household utility usage and monthly income. Customers are required to pay a reduced amount on their utility bills each month to get the bene fit payments. PIPP participants may also receive credits toward their outstanding balance.
*Disconnected households are not eligible.
PIPP Recertification
In May, June and July of 2013, households that are currently enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) will be recertifying their eligibility to continue on the PIPP for PY2014. Enrolled PIPP households will receive a letter informing it is time to recertify and provide recertification instructions. Clients need to bring their Social Security cards, income documentation and most recent bills. This recertification period is only for currently enrolled PIPP clients—we are unable to enroll new clients in the PIPP at this time.
Other CEDA Energy Services Programs
The LIHEAP Furnace Program is ONLY available to qualified LIHEAP applicants. The program only performs work for homeowners or landlords that reside at a property with a non-operable heating system. LIHEAP applicants can apply for the LIHEAP Furnace Program every year as long as the heating system is non-operable.
ComEd Residential Special Hardship Program
The ComEd Residential Special Hardship Fund provides a variable one-time credit equal to the past due balance up to $1000 on the ComEd bills of households with a demonstrated hardship case. Residential customers with an income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level [see table] may be eligible for the program. It is not available for disconnected accounts or accounts with evidence of tampering or fraud. Clients may only receive a grant once every two years.
