Illinois residents who have lost income because of COVID-19 now may find it easier to get help paying their bills. On a visit to West Frankfort on Monday, Governor JB Pritzker noted how the pandemic has hurt many people.
“Covid-19 has had devastating financial implications for our most vulnerable populations.”
Pritzker says a big change in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is raising of the threshold to qualify.
“This year we’ve upped eligibility for these programs by increasing the income threshold from 150 percent to 200 percent of the federal poverty level.”
The adjustment means the threshold for a family of four is now $4,300. The changes also include a new online portal to apply, allowing people to maintain distancing guidelines.
“Starting today residents seeking emergency relief can visit help www.IllinoisFamilies.com.”
The extra funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and several Community Service Block Grant Programs, is from the Federal CARES Act.
