Wheeling Township Residents Can Apply for Energy Assistance

Wheeling Township residents who are having difficulty affording the cost of heating and gas bills can apply for a one-time grant through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Individuals who qualify will receive payments made directly to the utility company, which will remain on the account until they are fully used.

"We encourage residents experiencing financial hardships in regard to paying their home energy bills to apply for this program," said Wheeling Township Supervisor Kathy Penner. "LIHEAP helps people to keep their services in place through the winter season."

The Township processed 784 applications for 2017-2018 year and has assisted with nearly 4,600 applications since 2011.

Those interested in applying are required to schedule an appointment with the Wheeling Township General Assistance Department and will be asked to provide a variety of documentation, including a picture ID, social security cards for everyone living in the household, current utility bills and all sources of income over the last 30 days. Income guidelines for 2018-2019 are as follows:

Household income size/Gross income for 30 days prior to application date

One person household: $1,518

Two person household: $2,058

Three person household: $2,598

Four person household: $3,138

Five person household: $3,678

Six person household: $4,218

Additional documentation may be requested, including rental agreements and landlord contact information, if applicants are renting and utilities are included in the rent.

Furnace assistance is also available for homeowners who are approved for LIHEAP [renters are not eligible], and who have heating systems that are not operational or have been red-tagged by their utility company.

Residents that meet the income criteria should call the General Assistance Department at 847-259-7730 to schedule an appointment. Qualified applicants are served on a first-come, first-served basis until May 31, 2019 or until funding is exhausted. For more information, visit wheelingtownship.com.