•March 12, 2025•

The C.E.F.S Economic Opportunity Corporation’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) still has funding available for winter utility assistance. LIHEAP provides one-time grants to help income eligible households pay for their winter heating expenses.    

Any household that has applied as of October 1, 2024, or after would not be eligible to apply again unless they are being disconnected from their utility service. Applications will be taken on a first come-first serve basis through August 15, 2025, or until funding is exhausted.  

C.E.F.S. began taking LIHEAP applications on October 1, 2024, for the current program year 2025. To date in Moultrie County energy benefits totaling $212,575.00 have been approved for 343 households. The average payment per household is $620.  Additionally, in Moultrie County 45 households received $29,014.00 in emergency reconnection assistance. The average reconnection assistance payment is $645.  

Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive a benefit from LIHEAP.  The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income and the number of persons living in the household. The income guidelines are as follows: 

1 - $2,510,  2 - $3,407,  3 - $4,303,  4 - $5,200.  

Go to www.cefseoc.org or liheapillinois.com to know income limits for households with 5 members and more. Required items to apply include:  

Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.  

For all customers new to LIHEAP, and/or for new household members of previous customers, proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members.  Individuals without an SSN or ITIN can still apply and C.E.F.S. will advise accordingly.   

A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.  

A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount, and landlord contact.   

Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.   

Appointments can be made by contacting the C.E.F.S. Moultrie County Outreach office at 114 E. Harrison St. Sullivan, phone 217-728-7721 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.      

In order that no one is denied the opportunity to make an application, we will continue take applications in-person or by phone. Required documentation can be submitted in-person, by mail, or electronically. If you require any special accommodations, contact the local C.E.F.S. Outreach office in your county to arrange these accommodations.  

Funding for LIHEAP is provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation is the local administering agency for Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie, and Shelby counties.