The Will County Center for Community Concerns (WCCCC), as administrator of the Home Energy Assistance Program in Will County, said funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and electric bills and furnace assistance.

The program will began September 1, 2021 for all income-eligible households. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through May 31, 2022.  There will be no priority groups this program year. Households in need are encouraged to apply.

Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive a benefit from the LIHEAP Program.

As of September 1, 2021 there is an option to accept a one-time payment to your utility provider, or to enroll in PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan), which consists of a monthly benefit you will receive as long as you make your monthly payment that will be determined at the time of intake. PIPP is available for LIHEAP eligible households who are customers of one of the following utilities: ComEd and Nicor Gas. PIPP applicants will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis and the program will be offered until March 31, 2022 or when WCCCC has reached the maximum capacity of households for the program.  The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP and PIPP are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income and the number of persons living in the household.  The guidelines are as follows: 1-$2,147, 2-$2,903, 3-$3,660, 4-4,417.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service.  Propane customers are encouraged to apply when the program opens in September to take greater advantage of lower propane prices.  Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so by applying early propane users will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.

Applications will be taken at Will County Center for Community Concerns located at 2455 Glenwood Ave, Joliet IL  60435, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 and Wednesday 8:00a.m. to 6:30 p.m. or until the daily sign-in sheet is full (whichever comes first).  Applications can also be submitted via mail, emailed, agency drop box or faxed.  Applications will also be taken at various locations throughout the Will County area please go to our website (www.wcccc.net) for detail on other locations.

To submit an application, you MUST submit ALL documentation required:

  1. Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
  2. Proof of Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without an SSN or ITIN can still apply and WCCCC will advise accordingly.
  3. A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
  4. Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.
  5. A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact.

Please call WCCCC at (815) 722-0722 for outreach locations and schedules, and for information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit your application.