Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity encourages families in need to apply for utility bill assistance

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is encouraging families in need to apply for $150 million in utility bill assistance through the Help Illinois Families Program. All families who meet the criteria and provide required documentation are eligible to receive utility bill assistance for natural gas, propane, and electricity through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Since the launch of the program in September 2021, more than 230,000 households have received utility assistance.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, my administration provided record funding to help families keep a roof over their heads and prevent them from falling behind on their bills,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
To be eligible for UDAP, households need to have received LIHEAP benefits between September 1, 2021 and May 31, 2022, and be in imminent threat of disconnection. A UDAP participant may receive a one-time credit, per utility, based on the utility account balance. Assistance can range from $250 up to a maximum of $5,000.