IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2025
Contact: Embarras River Basin Agency
Contact information: 217-923-3113
Embarras River Basin Agency Announces the Start of the Energy
Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available for income
qualified households beginning October 1, 2025
Jasper County, IL- The Embarras River Basin Agency, as administrator of the Energy
Assistance Program in Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Jasper, Lawrence and
Richland 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, 2025, for older adults (60 years +),
individuals with a disability, families with children under the age of six years, 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 November 1, 2025.
Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 15, 2026, 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 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 State Median Income, Federal Poverty Guidelines, and the number of persons living in
the household. The income guidelines are as follows: 1-$3,332, 2- $4,357,3-$5,382, 4- $6,407. Go
to erbainc.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 group 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 benefit go further.
To apply, 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 a SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can
still apply and ERBA 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.
Please call Jasper County ERBA office at 618-783-3987 to schedule your appointment.
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