The Kendall County Health Department, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in Kendall and Grundy counties, is pleased to announce that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane, and/or electric bills, and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.
The program will begin taking applications on October 1, 2026, for priority groups, which are older adults (60 years +), individuals with a disability, families with children aged 5 years and under, and households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice, or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income-eligible households can start applying on November 1, 2026.
Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 13, 2027, or until funding is exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed.
The program has expanded eligibility this year. Households that are customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas, and Peoples Gas must be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to receive a benefit from LIHEAP. The income guidelines, based on the number of household members, are as follows: 1 member - $3,990, 2 members - $5,410, 3 members - $6,830, 4 members - $8,250. Households that are customers of federally funded utilities/energy vendors must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income to receive a benefit from LIHEAP.
The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on either Federal Poverty Guidelines or State Median Income, and the number of people living in the household. Go to kendallhealth.org or liheapillinois.com to know income limits for households with 5 members and more.
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 who are part of the priority groups are encouraged to apply when the program opens in October. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months, so by applying early, propane customers will see their LIHEAP benefits go further.
Please call 630-553-8051 to make an in-person or phone appointment to apply. In-person appointments are available in Kendall and Grundy Counties.
To determine eligibility, you MUST submit ALL documentation required:
- Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period, beginning with the date of application.
- For all customers new to LIHEAP, and/or for new household members of previous customers, proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) for all household members. Individuals without an SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can still apply, and the Kendall County Health Department will advise accordingly.
- A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
- 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. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.
Income-eligible LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas, and Peoples Gas will receive a monthly discount on their natural and/or electric bill through the Low-Income Discount Rates. Visit powerbilldiscount.com to learn more details.
Please call the Kendall County Health Department at 630-553-8051 for outreach locations and schedules, for information on which documents are needed to apply, and different ways to submit your application.
###