Every energy assistance program available to Illinois households
Illinois households can access multiple assistance programs simultaneously. Here's the complete, current list — and the income limits, application process, and how to access each.
Federal & State Assistance
1. LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Who: Households up to 60% of state median income (roughly $42,000 for a family of 4 in Illinois, varies yearly). Automatically income-eligible if on SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
What: Direct payment toward your energy bill, once per year, typically $200–$600 depending on need and funding.
Apply: Your local community action agency (find it: liheapch.acf.hhs.gov). Most have online applications or can serve you over the phone.
2. PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) — central/southern Illinois only
Who: Income-qualified households in counties served by Ameren Illinois.
What: Your electric bill is capped at a percentage of your household income (typically 3–6%), with the program covering the difference. It's ongoing, not one-time.
Apply: Through your local community action agency or Ameren directly.
3. Utility Hardship Programs
Who: Anyone behind on bills or at risk of disconnection.
What: ComEd and Ameren both offer extended payment plans, sometimes with bill forgiveness for low-income customers.
Apply: Call your utility's customer service and ask for "hardship" or "payment plan" options.
Utility-Specific Programs
ComEd Low-Income Programs
ComEd operates its own assistance for income-qualified customers: bill discounts, free efficiency upgrades, and extended payment plans. Check ComEd's website or call 1-800-334-7661.
Ameren Illinois Assistance
Similar to ComEd: budget assistance, efficiency rebates, hardship programs. Call Ameren or visit their website for your region.
Efficiency & Rebate Programs
ComEd Rebates: LED discounts, appliance rebates, smart thermostat programs, weatherization assistance.
Ameren Rebates: Similar suite of efficiency incentives.
Federal (if applicable): Some home improvements may qualify for federal rebates or tax credits.
How to Stack Them
These programs don't exclude each other. A household can be on LIHEAP, use Ameren's hardship plan, grab an efficiency rebate, and enroll in community solar — all at the same time, in the same month.
Ready to add community solar to your toolkit? It stacks with everything above and takes about 5 minutes to enroll.
Check my savingsSecure enrollment via Ampion & VoltEra EnergyGetting started
Start with LIHEAP if you qualify by income — it's the fastest. Then ask your utility about its own assistance programs. Then add community solar for ongoing monthly savings. Each one lowers the bill independently.
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