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Utility Bills Weighing You Down? We've Got Your Back.
We understand how important your utilities are in creating a safe and comfortable home for you and your family. That’s why we work hard to provide the help you need to offset the rising utility cost. With CEDA’s Utility Assistance Programs, you can take comfort knowing there’s help with your gas, electric, and water bills, as well as repairing or replacing your heating system.
See your bill assistance options below.
LIHEAP
CEDA’s LIHEAP programs offer heating and electricity assistance through the DVP and PIPP Programs to income eligible households. DVP issues a one-time benefit applied directly to your utility accounts. Assistance is available to help households with their heating (natural gas, oil, or propane), and/or electric bills. Cash payments are also available to eligible renters who do not have heating bills because their energy costs are included in the rent. PIPP enrolls you in a budget bill program that provides a monthly benefit toward your bill and offers the opportunity for past due balance forgiveness.
Am I Eligible?
Households with a 30-day gross income that is at or below 200% of the poverty level. CEDA, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program, is assisting ALL income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.
2024-2025
| Family Size | 30 Day Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,510 |
| 2 | $3,407 |
| 3 | $4,303 |
| 4 | $5,200 |
| 5 | $6,097 |
| 6 | $6,993 |
| 7 | $7,890 |
What Do I Need?
- Social Security Numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. If you do not have a SSN or ITIN, a Partner InTake Site can help you with your application.
- Proof of Income over the last 30 days including paystub, check or copy of check showing fixed income amount (e.g., SSA, VA, DHS benefits) or other documentation of income source.
- Original or copy of utility bill(s).
- A copy of the most recent heating and electric bills or your lease agreement if your heating utility is included in your rent.
SSN/TIN
Proof of Income
Utility Bill
To apply in person or remote with a Partner Intake Site, call (800) 571-2332 to find a location or click the button below.
Check Your Application Status
Upon successfully submitting your household details online, you will receive an email and a letter from CEDA with your LIHEAP application ID and application date, confirmation of your household information and instructions on how to check your application status. CEDA will determine eligibility within 30 days of your application date and will notify you by mail. Check your status anytime at www.CEDAorg.net/LIHEAPStatus.
If you are in danger of utility disconnection or are currently disconnected, make an appointment with a Partner Intake Site to ensure your application is expedited. Select “Find a Location” to find a Partner Intake Site or contact the Call Center at (800) 571- 2332.
All programs are FREE. There is no fee to apply for assistance. Utility assistance programs are funded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and/or utility vendors.
Share the Warmth
The Peoples Gas Share the Warmth program provides up to $200 towards the past due balance of your Peoples Gas bill.
LIHEAP
CEDA’s LIHEAP programs offer heating and electricity assistance through the DVP and PIPP Programs to income eligible households. DVP issues a one-time benefit applied directly to your utility accounts. Assistance is available to help households with their heating (natural gas, oil, or propane), and/or electric bills. Cash payments are also available to eligible renters who do not have heating bills because their energy costs are included in the rent. PIPP enrolls you in a budget bill program that provides a monthly benefit toward your bill and offers the opportunity for past due balance forgiveness.
Am I Eligible?
Households with a 30-day gross income that is at or below 200% of the poverty level. CEDA, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program, is assisting ALL income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.
2024-2025
| Family Size | 30 Day Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,510 |
| 2 | $3,407 |
| 3 | $4,303 |
| 4 | $5,200 |
| 5 | $6,097 |
| 6 | $6,993 |
| 7 | $7,890 |
What Do I Need?
- Social Security Numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. If you do not have a SSN or ITIN, a Partner InTake Site can help you with your application.
- Proof of Income over the last 30 days including paystub, check or copy of check showing fixed income amount (e.g., SSA, VA, DHS benefits) or other documentation of income source.
- Original or copy of utility bill(s).
- A copy of the most recent heating and electric bills or your lease agreement if your heating utility is included in your rent.
SSN/TIN
Proof of Income
Utility Bill
To apply in person or remote with a Partner Intake Site, call (800) 571-2332 to find a location or click the button below.
Check Your Application Status
Upon successfully submitting your household details online, you will receive an email and a letter from CEDA with your LIHEAP application ID and application date, confirmation of your household information and instructions on how to check your application status. CEDA will determine eligibility within 30 days of your application date and will notify you by mail. Check your status anytime at www.CEDAorg.net/LIHEAPStatus.
If you are in danger of utility disconnection or are currently disconnected, make an appointment with a Partner Intake Site to ensure your application is expedited. Select “Find a Location” to find a Partner Intake Site or contact the Call Center at (800) 571- 2332.
All programs are FREE. There is no fee to apply for assistance. Utility assistance programs are funded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and/or utility vendors.
UBR
For City of Chicago residents, the Utility Billing Relief program offers a 50% reduction of the water rate, sewer rate, and water-sewer tax on your City of Chicago utility bill. The UBR program also offers the opportunity for complete debt forgiveness on your City of Chicago utility account. If you are a homeowner residing in a single-family home, two-flat, or three-flat, you may be eligible for assistance. We encourage all qualified homeowners to apply whether you are current or behind on your water bill payments.
LIHEAP Furnace Assistance
CEDA’s LIHEAP Furnace Assistance program offers vouchers to qualified homeowners to repair or replace broken heating systems, such as furnaces and boilers. If you reside in a single-family home, a building of up to 4 units, or a condo, you may be eligible for assistance
The LIHEAP Furnace Assistance Program has ended. The application period will resume Fall 2025.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the income qualifications for utility bill assistance?
Most CEDA utility assistance programs determine income eligibility based on the gross income of the household in the last 30 days. The table below can be used to estimate your household’s potential income eligibility:
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $30,120 |
| 2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
What documents are needed to apply?
- Proof of gross income from all household members aged 18 and older for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application. The includes wages, SSA/SSI, pensions, unemployment, TANF, AABD, cash, etc. and income for children who receive Social Security benefits.
- Proof of Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without an SSN or ITIN can still apply.
- A copy of the household’s most recent heating and electric bills.
- Cash assistance is available for renters who can provide a copy of their lease/rental agreement showing their heating costs are included in the rent.
- Other documents may be needed based on your household situation.
How do I fill out the online application?
Click the “Save Time, Apply Online” button to begin step one of the online application for the LIHEAP-DVP program. LIHEAP-DVP is the only program with an online application at this time. Please have all eligibility documents available to ensure you can answer all questions accurately and completely. You will need to provide social security numbers and income information for your entire household over the past 30 days, so please have that information and documentation available in a PDF, JPG, or PNG format so that your documents can be uploaded with your application.
Within 24 hours of entering all of your household information and uploading your documents, to complete step one of the online process, you will receive an email notification from [email protected], confirming that your application has been submitted successfully via the online portal. Your LIHEAP ID will not be included in this email.
Within 2 to 3 weeks of successfully submitting your application online, you will receive an email and a letter from CEDA with your LIHEAP application ID and application date, confirmation of your household information and instructions on how check your application status. CEDA will verify your application within 30 days of your application date and communicate your application’s status via mail. You can also check your status online at any time by visiting the LIHEAP Customer Inquiry Portal: www.CEDAorg.net/LIHEAPStatus.
Can I apply if I am undocumented?
Yes. All assistance programs can accommodate an undocumented resident in your household. Please reach out to a CEDA Partner Intake Site to start an application. Select Find a Location to find a Partner Intake Site or contact the Call Center at (800) 571- 2332.
Can I apply if I am not behind on my bills?
Yes. We encourage all income eligible households to apply whether they are current or behind on their utility bills.
Can I apply if I do not have income?
Yes. Individuals without income are eligible to apply.
Can I apply on behalf of a loved one?
Yes. We offer Intake over the phone for applicants who are homebound. Applicants who are unable to complete the application themselves may authorize a proxy to complete the application on their behalf. Any adult in the household can complete the application without any additional paperwork. A non-household member may complete an application if they provide a signed, dated, letter from the head of household authorizing them to complete the application on the household’s behalf.
Can renters apply for gas and light assistance?
Yes. Renters may apply for the LIHEAP program. We assist renters who directly pay their utility company for heating or electric services as well as renters who can prove their heating costs are included in the rent. Renters who can provide documentation proving that their heating is included in the rent may be eligible for a cash benefit to offset utility costs.
When will I get my application ID after I fill out the online application?
Within 2 to 3 weeks of successfully submitting your application and documents. You will receive an email and a letter from CEDA with your LIHEAP application ID.
What do I do if I don’t have my application ID?
If it has been more than 30 days since you filled out the online application, received an email from [email protected] stating that your application has been successfully submitted and you have not received an email or mail from CEDA with your LIHEAP application information, please call CEDA at 1-800-571-CEDA (2332) for assistance.