Chicago has brutally cold winters, and with the rising costs of gas, some individuals are finding it more difficult to pay increasing heating bills. There are many low-income families and people who survive on a fixed income, and these individuals may need assistance in paying these high costs. There are resources available for residents in the Chicago area to provide the assistance that some people desperately need.
Instructions
1. Apply for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding through the CEDA program. This is the most common program known to Chicago residents. CEDA is the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County. LIHEAP funding comes from the Federal Government, and is allocated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to each state as a block grant. According to CEDA, throughout September and October, applications will be accepted for homes with senior citizens and disabled residents. Beginning October 1st, applications will be accepted for homes that are currently disconnected due to lack of payment. All other households meeting the eligibility guidelines can apply on and after November 1st. Most applications are processed within 30 days.
2. Apply for the Share the Warmth Program. This program, for customers who use People’s Energy as a gas provider, is administered through the Salvation Army, and provides households experiencing difficulties paying their heating bills with up to $200 in assistance if they qualify.
3. Apply for the Nicor Gas Sharing Program if you are a Nicor Customer and are ineligible for other heating assistance programs. This program, also administered through the Salvation Army, is provided as a one-time grant and is funded by contributions from Nicor Gas' customers and employees. You must fall between certain income guidelines to qualify for this program. During the 2007-2008 winter season, the grant increased from from $300 to anywhere between $400-$450 per qualifying customer.
4. Seek assistance through the People’s Energy Corporation if your gas services have been disconnected. Through their Good Samaritan program, low-income customers to get their heat reconnected by paying 20 percent of their past-due amount, or $250, whichever amount is less. To qualify for this program, a utility customer must have an annual income that does not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty line.
5. Enroll in the Residential Energy Assistance Challenge (REACH) program. This 6-12 month program helps low income LIHEAP clients who are in crisis with their utility payments. REACH provides financial education, energy conservation assistance and case management, to help customers maintain a regular cycle of bill payment.
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