Roseland Heights Community Association

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance

Jul 09, 2009

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

For More Information:
LIHEAP Hotline: (800) 571-CEDA (2332)
8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
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Summer Cooling Program: July 6, 2009 until funds are exhausted.
The LIHEAP Summer Cooling Program is a one-time benefit to eligible households to be used for energy bills. The amount of the payment is determined by income, household size, fuel type and geographic location. LIHEAP will make electric bill payments on behalf of seniors, the disabled, families with children younger than 36 months of age at the time of processed application, and people with medical conditions that would be aggravated by extreme heat. Payments will be paid directly to the household's electric utility i.e. ComEd
ENERGY CONSERVATION
Weatherization
CEDA's Weatherization Program focuses on making homes safer and more energy-efficient for qualifying low-income residents in the city of Chicago and suburban Cook County. Repairing or replacing older furnaces, installing heat-saving insulation and sealing bypasses to conserve energy are often the means used to keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The Weatherization Program also strives to make homes safer by installing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers, as well as repairing gas lines within the home. This service is available to qualifying homeowners and renters who apply at local intake sites. If a rental unit is being weatherized, the landlord must pay for half of the repair costs unless she/he meets certain qualifications.

Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for the weatherization program, participants must reside in Cook County and be at 150% of the poverty level. Special emphasis is given to families with children under the age of five, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Weatherization Hotline: (800) 571-CEDA (2332)

Where to Apply: Residents must apply for the weatherization program at a local intake site. Intake sites are organized by the ZIP codes they serve. Please bring proof of home ownership, a current electric/gas bill, hard copy of social security number for the head of the household (social security number only for those who are 16 and older in the residence), and proof of income for the previous 12 months when you apply for the program.
ComEd Residential Special Hardship Fund:
Variable grants of up to $1,000 to offset electricity rate increases to address special circumstances and hardships.
Eligibility: Eligible households that qualify must fit within the 0-400% poverty level (Total balance of the account cannot exceed $1,200) and have documented proof of their hardship which includes:
1. Medical - Proof of hospitalization, surgery recovery, or medical/prescriptions services that are limiting income and finances. Households with life support equipment.
2. Military - Military deployment of one or both head-of-household/parent(s), deployment/activation papers and documents must be provided to prove deployment. Eligibility also includes military personnel returning from active duty with a disability. Proof of circumstances must be provided.
3. Senior - Seniors requiring ?“in home care?” and other services resulting in difficulty making ?“out of pocket?” costs, therefore limiting finances. Proof of these expenses is needed. Eligibility also includes grandparents raising minor grandchildren. Applicants must provide Medicaid/Kidcare card for the grandchild, displaying child?’s name, grandparent?’s name, and address.
4. Disability - Households containing a person(s) with a disability, including mental health, that severely limits the household?’s finances. Medicare or SSI documents will need to be provided.
5. Loss of Employment or Unexpected Loss of Income
1. Termination of employment cannot be a result of an applicant?’s negligence. Termination papers, layoff notice or eligibility for Unemployment benefits must be provided as proof.
2. An unexpected loss of income due to SSI reassessment, tax increase, or spousal death. Proof of income loss must be provided.
3. A student that was contributing to the household income and is now attending college/University resulting in a reduction of the household income. Proof of full-time student status needed (registration documents) and loss of income (check stubs) must be provided.
6. Family Crisis - Within the last 6 months, households experiencing the death of an immediate family member or terminal illness of an immediately family member. Death certificate or medical papers must be provided for spouse or affected family member.
7. Property Damage - Unexpected reduction of a household?’s income due to property damage associated with natural disasters not covered by insurance. Natural disasters include flood, tornado, or wind damage to home or vehicle.
8. Victimized by Criminal Activity - Unexpected reduction of a household?’s income as a result of being victimized by criminal activity. Provide police report (must have filed within 72 hours of the event) and proof of income loss, ex. lost workdays.
If clients meet one or more of the above qualifications please have the following:
?§ Picture ID - The address on the ID must match the address on the utility bill. If the address does not match, supply another bill, state, or government issued document with the matching address.
?§ Income - Proof of 30-day income needed for the entire household over 18 years of age (if working).
?§ Utility bill - The date of the utility bill must be issued within the last 30 days. PAYS UP TO $1,000, NOT EXCEEDING PAST DUE AMOUNT.
?§ SSN - Only required to determine income eligibility (if it applies to you.) SS card acceptable, but not required.
Please provide documentation for all circumstances. Proof of all hardships must be within 6 MONTHS. Disability proof must state disability and show monthly amount. Disconnected and final accounts will not be credited. The ComEd Residential Special Hardship Fund is a once-in-a-lifetime benefit.


Roxanne Nava
Opportunity Returns
Assistant Director
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
100 W. Randolph, Suite 3-400
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: 312-814-7272
Fax: 312-814-5859
roxanne.nava@illinois.gov