Help with Home Energy Bills Available Through Wheeling Township

Wheeling Township residents who are struggling to afford gas or electric bills can apply now for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) at the Wheeling Township offices, 1616 N. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights, by appointment only. It is recommended that senior citizens and those receiving Social Security Disability or SSI benefits apply this fall, but applications will be open to everyone through May of 2022 - or until the funding is exhausted.

"As a Township, we are always concerned for the well-being of our residents, but especially now, with the ramifications of the pandemic continuing to cause ongoing financial challenges for so many," said Wheeling Township Supervisor Kathleen Penner. "The LIHEAP program helps to ensure that qualified residents are able to afford heating bills during the winter."

Two assistance options for eligible households:

Direct Vendor Payment (DVP) is designed to assist income-eligible households with energy services in the form of a one-time benefit payment made directly to the utility company. The amount of the payment is determined by income, household size and fuel type. Reconnection assistance is available for households that have been disconnected from services.

Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) provides a monthly benefit payment to the utility company, based on household utility usage and monthly income. Qualifying account(s) are enrolled in utility budget billing and customers are required to pay a reduced amount on their utility bills each month to receive the benefit payments. PIPP participants who make their utility payments on time will receive credits towards their outstanding balance. Disconnected households are not eligible.

Interested individuals must provide documentation, including a current photo ID, Social Security cards for everyone living in the household, current utility bills, and all sources of household income over the last 30 days. Additional documentation may be requested.

Income guidelines for 2021-2022 LIHEAP applications are as follows:

Household size - Gross income for 30 days prior to application

• One - $2,147

• Two - $2,903

• Three - $3,660

• Four - $4,417

• Five - $5,173

• Six - $5,930

Residents who meet the income criteria should call the Wheeling Township General Assistance Department to schedule an appointment at (847) 259-7730. Appointments are given on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited due to social distancing and sanitizing, and masks must be worn at all times in the Township building. If you need more information on LIHEAP, or any of Wheeling Township's assistance programs, call (847) 259-7730 or email GA@WheelingTownship.com.

Through its dedication to providing services to residents, whether by helping them maintain their independence, sustain their health, or by offering critical assistance during times of need, Wheeling Township continues to make a significant difference in the community - as it has since 1850.

For information, contact Wheeling Township at (847) 259-7730, or visit www.wheelingtownship.com.