CEFS to Start Taking LIHEAP Apps Next Tuesday

The C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation will begin taking applications for the 2014 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) on Tuesday September 3, 2013. 

This is also the first day that appointments can be made for the program.   September and October are priority months reserved for those households that have either a member aged 60 and above or disabled.  Appointments can be made by contacting the local C.E.F.S. County Outreach offices. 

Starting on October 1st applications will be accepted from households that have children age 5 years and under.   Proof of age will be required.   Households who are disconnected from their utilities will also be allowed to make application for the program during October.

Assistance will become available to all other income-eligible households beginning November 1, 2013.  Additionally households that are within 7 days of being disconnected or have less than 25% in their propane tank and are unable to secure a delivery on credit may also apply during November.

LIHEAP provides one-time grants to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with winter energy bills and for reconnection of energy service.

Items needed at the time of application are: proof of all household income for 30 days immediately preceding the day of application, Social Security cards for all members of the household, and current heating and electric bills.  TANF households must also present their most recent medical card.

Thirty day income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP for the 2014 program by size of household are as follows: 1-$1,436...2-$1,939...3-$2,441...4-$2,944...5-$3,446.  For each additional member add $502.

In order that no one is denied the opportunity to make an application any special accommodations that are needed should be arranged by contacting the local county C.E.F.S. Outreach Office.  All offices will accommodate applicants that require special arrangements for their appointments; these include applicants that are homebound, hearing impaired, or are otherwise disabled.

Appointments for LIHEAP can be made by contacting the C.E.F.S. Effingham County Outreach office at 202 N. Banker St. Effingham, phone 217-347-7514, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Funding for LIHEAP is provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO).  C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation is the local administering agency for Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby counties.