Help Illinois Families Emergency Relief Initiative

Help Illinois Families expands on the existing Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Community Services Block Program (CSBG). New eligibility thresholds make Help Illinois Families available to more individuals and families. If you meet the income requirements and submit your application, you may be eligible for emergency assistance to cover the costs of utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food and other household necessities.

LIHEAP helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services. This includes assistance with heating, gas, propane and electricity. The last day to apply online with the Request for Services form is April 15. After that date, you can still apply through your local administering agency through May 31 2022.

CSBG offers Illinoisans an opportunity to receive support for an array of essential services including rent assistance, food, temporary shelter, medicine and more. CSBG applications are avaialble year-round.

This initiative remains available for all qualifying households with low income, regardless of how they may be affected by COVID-19. Eligible families may qualify for hundreds of dollars of support.