Resource Directory /

Utility Assistance Resources

  • Citizens Utility Board Help Center

    The Citizens Utility Board (CUB)’s Help Center provides information and helpful resources for Illinois utility customers.  with more information.

    CUB provides information, including:

    • Financial resources and where to find help with utility bills
    • Disconnection rights
    • Efficiency and safety tips
    • Solar and efficiency programs

     

  • City of Chicago Coronavirus Response Center

    Latest guidance and information on testing, public health department guidance, available resources, food, shelter and more during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • City of Springfield COVID-19 Community Resources

    The city of Springfield provides a list of community resources available during the COVID-19 pandemic, including public computer labs, mortgage and housing assistance, unemployment, rent assistance, virtual career support, emotional support, payment assistance and family assistance.

  • ComEd Financial Assistance Options

    ComEd offers assistance programs and its Smart Assistance Manager tool (SAM) to help you find the right options. ComEd programs include free energy-saving products, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), payment and budget billing arrangements, and more.

     

  • COVID-19 Assistance for Southern Illinois Shawnee Health Service

    COVID-19 Assistance for Southern Illinois Shawnee Health Service received a $250,000 grant from the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund to serve the state’s most vulnerable residents. Shawnee Health Service is focused on deploying resources to Jackson, Williamson, and Union Counties. Assistance may be available to residents of other counties.

    There are no restrictions on age or insurance coverage status. Anyone may request assistance, regardless of whether or not he or she is a patient or client of Shawnee Health Service. Grant funds will be used to assist southern Illinoisans with:

    Food and basic needs
    Temporary housing, rent, utilities, or mortgage
    Utility and financial assistance
    Out-of-pocket medical costs

    If you would like to request assistance for yourself or on behalf of another person, please call Shawnee Health Service at (618) 519-9200.

  • Help Illinois Families Emergency Relief Initiative

    Help Illinois Families expands on the existing Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Community Services Block Program (CSBG). New eligibility thresholds make Help Illinois Families available to more individuals and families. If you meet the income requirements and submit your application, you may be eligible for emergency assistance to cover the costs of utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food and other household necessities.

    LIHEAP helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services. This includes assistance with heating, gas, propane and electricity. The last day to apply online with the Request for Services form is April 15. After that date, you can still apply through your local administering agency through May 31 2022.

    CSBG offers Illinoisans an opportunity to receive support for an array of essential services including rent assistance, food, temporary shelter, medicine and more. CSBG applications are avaialble year-round.

    This initiative remains available for all qualifying households with low income, regardless of how they may be affected by COVID-19. Eligible families may qualify for hundreds of dollars of support.

  • Illinois Unidos – COVID-19 Resources for Latinx Families

    Illinois Unidos provides a collection of resources developed for and focusing on Latinx families to address:

    Frequently asked questions regarding vaccinations and mitigation measures
    Accessing health, economic and mental health community services
    Stopping the growth of COVID-19
    The devastating economic impact of COVID-19

    Illinois Unidos is a consortium of more than 150 Latino elected and appointed officials, health professionals and representatives of community-based organizations.

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

    The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months).

    Illinois residents with a household income that does not exceed an amount determined annually by the Department of Commerce are eligible. The program determines annual eligibility levels based on available funding and may not exceed 200 percent of the federal nonfarm poverty level.

    See the How to Apply for LIHEAP page for more information. To help find an office serving your area, visit this complete list of LIHEAP application agencies based on county.

    For more program information, check out the LIHEAP frequently asked questions or call the Help Illinois Families Call Center at (833) 711-0374.

  • Low Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) – DuPage County

    The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a one-time water and wastewater payment assistance program to help households that are facing the threat of disconnection, have already been disconnected or have past due balances over $250 for their water and wastewater services combined. Customers may apply one time for water and one time for wastewater for the life of the program, which is Feb. 1, 2022 – Aug. 31, 2023.

    DuPage County applications are taken by appointment only by calling (630) 407-6500 or emailing CSprograms@dupageco.org.

  • North Shore Gas Assistance Options

    If you cannot pay your energy bill due to financial difficulties, North Shore Gas has flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options that may help.

    They also include information about these programs:

    • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
    • Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
    • Share the Warmth, company- and customer-funded heating grants