Utility Bill Assistance

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps households with low incomes pay for home energy bills, especially heating during the winter months. If eligible, payments are made directly to the utility on behalf of the household. In the case of applicants whose heat is included in their rent, payment is made directly to the applicant.

Eligibility

Households with a combined gross income at or below the 60% state median income (based on the 30 days prior to application) may qualify. Renters may be eligible if heat and/or electricity is included in rent. Undocumented workers who meet income and other program requirements may also apply. 

Application

Period From October 1, 2025 to August 15, 2026, or until funds are exhausted. 

How to Apply

To apply for LIHEAP, residents may contact their local Community Action Agency (CAA), which is based on their county. Contacting the CAA directly is the fastest application method. Another option is to submit a service request 

Need Help?

For assistance, residents may contact their local Community Action Agency (CAA) or call the LIHEAP Hotline at 1-833-711-0374

Low Income Discount Program

Low-income customers of gas and electric utilities in Illinois may receive a monthly discount of 5% to 83% on their utility bills. The goal of this program is to ensure that people don’t have to spend more than 3-6% of their monthly income on utility bills. The size of the discount depends on the utility and household income.

Eligibility

As of January 1, 2026, gas and electricity customers of ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas whose incomes are at or below 300%

How to Apply

Any household qualifying for LIHEAP on or after October 1, 2025, will automatically be enrolled in the low-income discount and started to receive the ComEd discount when it began on Jan. 1, 2026. Customers whose income is above the LIHEAP eligibility, but under 300% FPL, may apply directly on ComEd’s Low Income Discount (LID) Program website. 

Need Help?

Additional information on Low Income Discount offered by other utilities can be found on the Low-Income Discount Rate (LIDR) Program fact sheet developed by the Citizens Utility Board and at the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies website Power Bill Discount.

Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program

The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) helps income-eligible households lower their energy bills by improving home energy efficiency. Through this program, an energy assessor evaluates the home and uses a computerized energy audit program to identify the most cost-effective upgrades. IHWAP also provides many health and safety upgrades, ensuring safe and healthy homes. Approved contractors complete the work using IHWAP funds. The maximum amount per eligible household is $20,000 for energy-related weatherization and repair work, and $4,000 for health and safety related measures. 

Services may include: 

• Air sealing 
• Attic and wall insulation 
• HVAC repair or replacement 
• Water heater repair or replacement 
• Energy-efficient lighting and refrigerator replacement 
• Ventilation and moisture control improvements 
• Health and safety upgrades 

Eligibility

Households with a combined annual income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify. 

How to Apply

Residents can contact their local community action agency or administering agency based on the county. 

Need Help?

Contact the Help Illinois Families call center at 1-833-711-0374 or: communityassist@illinois.gov

Gas and electric utility companies offer assistance programs to provide support when it’s needed most. 

To help customers identify solutions tailored to their unique circumstances, ComEd offers the Smart Assistance Manager (SAM) Finder tool. This tool enables customers to apply for direct grants, manage monthly bill payments and past-due balances, and explore energy-efficient practices. After answering questions about income, household size, preferences, and other key factors, SAM provides personalized recommendations. From there, customers can review the options and choose to apply for the programs that best fit their needs. 

Nicor Gas’ Community Assistance Navigator (CAN) offers assistance resources for its customers’ financial and energy-savings needs. CAN is Nicor Gas online portal where customers can find recommendations that best meet their needs. By answering a few anonymous questions, customers can learn about available assistance options and how to connect with them. For further assistance, the Community Connection Center can be reached at nicorgas.com/ccc or 888-642-6748.

The Nicor Gas Energy Aide Program provides financial assistance to income-eligible residential customers who are experiencing difficulty paying their natural gas bills. Through this program, eligible customers may receive an Energy Aide Grant of up to $250 per program year to help reduce their past-due balance. For balances less than $250, the total amount of the past-due balance will be paid. 

Eligibility

• Household income must be at or below %350 of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
• Customers who have previously received assistance through LIHEAP, PIPP, or Nicor Sharing are eligible to apply
• Residential customers who have a non-heat account may also apply
• An income eligibility chart is available on the Nicor Gas Energy Aide Program webpage

How to Apply

Customers must contact their local agency directly for application details and assistance.

Need Help?

Visit the Nicor Gas Energy Aide Program webpage to access the selected local area agencies.

Shield of Caring is an emergency assistance program. It provides individuals and families in Nicor Gas’ service area with natural gas bill payment assistance and support for other basic needs, including housing, rental and grocery assistance. Customers may also apply to receive a discount on their bill through the Nicor Gas Low-Income Discount Program.

Shield of Caring is currently closed and will reopen Jan. 20, 2026.

The Nicor Gas Sharing Program provides one-time annual grants to residential customers who are experiencing financial hardship and do not qualify for state or federal energy assistance programs. The program is administered by The Salvation Army, which determines eligibility and processes applications. This program is funded through direct contributions from Nicor Gas’ customers and employees. Customers who receive Sharing Program benefits are automatically enrolled into the Nicor Gas Low-Income Discount Program.

Eligible customers can receive one grant between $150 and $400 per program year, based on the customer’s account balance. Grants are applied directly to the customer’s Nicor Gas account.

Eligibility

• To be eligible, household income must be between 61% and 80% of the State Median Income (SMI), which is above LIHEAP eligibility, within the last 30 days when applying for this program.
• Customers applying for a senior or veteran grant with a household gross income up to 80% of the SMI may qualify for a maximum grant of $150.

How to Apply

Applications must be completed in person at a local Salvation Army office. Residents should call ahead to schedule and confirm required documentation. 

Need Help?

For more information, visit the Nicor Gas Sharing Program webpage.

In times of financial hardship Peoples Gas offers flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options to its customers. A payment arrangement helps eligible customers catch up on their bills over several months. The plan allows customers to pay a portion of their past-due balance while paying the current bill. 

Eligibility

This assistance is offered to residential or small business customers with an active account not currently on a payment plan to pay off a past-due balance. 

How to Apply

For fastest service, Peoples Gas offers self-service options to make payment arrangements. These self-service options offer the same terms as those provided by calling the support center. If calling is preferable, customers can call 866-556-6001. 

Need Help?

Further information on available options can be found on the website: Peoples Gas Payment arrangements and energy assistance.

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Virtual Utility Bill Clinics are designed to help residents reduce their energy costs through personalized guidance. Communities can partner with CUB to host virtual clinics where residents submit copies of their most recent utility bills for review. A CUB specialist analyzes the bills and identifies opportunities for savings, such as enrolling in energy efficiency programs or accessing financial assistance.

After the review, residents receive tailored recommendations via email, phone call, or video conference. These clinics provide a convenient, no-cost way for households to better understand their energy usage and take advantage of programs that can lower monthly bills. To set up a clinic, communities should email ubc@citizensutilityboard.org with details and encourage residents to participate. 

Learn how to submit your bills

CUB offers free consultation for Illinois residents to help consumers save money on their utility bills: CUB’s Free Virtual Utility Bill Construction.