URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (RPC), administrator of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), has announced new application procedures for the fall-winter heating season.
Priority groups—including seniors aged 60 and over, individuals with disabilities, households with a child under six years old, and those currently disconnected from utilities or holding a disconnection notice or with less than 25% in their propane tank—can apply in person beginning October 1, 2025.
All other income-eligible households will be able to apply starting November 1. Appointments for the October priority group can be scheduled starting September 17, in person at the RPC office locations in Urbana (Brookens Administrative Center), Champaign (Round Barn Road), or Rantoul, or by calling 217‑384‑1226. Beginning November 1, appointments can also be scheduled online.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through August 15, 2026, or until the funds are exhausted. Households may return later in the program year for separate benefits such as reconnection assistance or furnace repairs if needed.
To expand access, RPC has raised the income eligibility threshold. Households of up to 12 members must now earn at or below 60% of the state median income, based on a 30-day look-back. For households larger than 12 members, eligibility is now set at 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Current 30-Day eligibility benchmarks (60% of state median income):
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $3,332 |
| 2 people | $4,357 |
| 3 people | $5,382 |
| 4 people | $6,407 |
Full income thresholds for households of five or more can be found on the RPC website.
Required documents include:
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Proof of gross income for the past 30 days for all household members
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Social Security numbers or ITINs for all household members (applicants without SSNs can still apply)
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Recent heat and electric bill (within 30 days)
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Lease or rental agreement if utilities are included in the rent, for renter households
Other documents may be required based on specific circumstances.
Moreover, effective January 1, 2026, eligible LIHEAP customers of ComEd will automatically receive a new monthly Low Income Discount Rate on their electric bills.
