Will County LIHEAP covers heating and cooling costs through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Will County residents who struggle to pay heating or cooling bills can turn to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is run by the Will County Department of Community and Family Services. The program pays utility bills directly to your heating or cooling provider — not to you — and covers both arrears (bills you already owe) and current bills. You must meet income limits based on household size, and you typically need proof of income, a lease or deed, and a utility bill in your name.

The program runs on a fiscal year that begins in November and ends in October. Funding is limited, so the program may close to new requests once money runs out, then reopen when the next year's funding arrives. Will County's LIHEAP office can tell you whether the fund is currently open and what the current wait time is.

Key Takeaways

  • Will County LIHEAP pays your utility company directly, so you will need your account number and the company's name before you contact the program.
  • Income limits vary by household size; a single person's limit differs from a family of four, and the county publishes these limits each November.
  • You must provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or benefit letter), proof of residency, and a current utility bill showing your name and account number.
  • The program covers both past-due bills and current bills, but funding runs out during the year, so calling early to check if the fund is open matters.

Income limits and household size requirements

Will County LIHEAP sets income limits based on the federal poverty guidelines, adjusted each November when the new fiscal year begins. The limits are higher for larger households — a single person has a lower limit than a family of five. You must be at or below the limit for your household size to be considered.

The exact dollar amounts change yearly and depend on household composition. Will County's LIHEAP office publishes the current limits on its website and can tell you over the phone whether your income falls within the range. If you are unsure, call and have your most recent income information ready.

Documents you need to bring or send

LIHEAP requires three main categories of proof. First, you need proof of income: recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a tax return from the past year, or a benefit letter from Social Security, unemployment, or another program. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and a profit-and-loss statement.

Second, you need proof of residency in Will County: a lease, deed, property tax bill, or utility bill showing your name and current address. Third, you need your utility bill — the actual bill from your heating or cooling provider, showing your account number and the amount owed. Bring the original or a copy; the program needs to see the account number to pay the right company.

If you are behind on bills, bring any past-due notices or disconnection warnings you have received. These help the program understand the urgency and may speed up processing.

How to contact Will County LIHEAP and apply

Will County LIHEAP is administered by the Department of Community and Family Services. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person at their office in Joliet. The phone number and office address are available on the Will County government website under Community and Family Services or LIHEAP.

When you call, have your household income, household size, utility account number, and utility company name ready. The staff will tell you whether the fund is currently open, what the wait time is, and whether you meet the income limits based on what you tell them. If the fund is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen.

If you apply in person or by mail, bring or send all three categories of documents listed above. Keep copies for your records. The program will contact you to confirm receipt and let you know the expected timeline for a decision.

Timeline from application to payment

Processing time varies depending on how busy the program is and whether your documents are complete. Most applications take two to four weeks from the time the program receives all required paperwork. If documents are missing, the program will contact you to ask for them, which can extend the timeline.

Once approved, the program pays your utility company directly. You should see the payment reflected on your account within one to two billing cycles. The program will send you a letter confirming approval and the amount paid.

What happens if the fund runs out of money

LIHEAP funding is limited and allocated for the fiscal year (November through October). Once the money is spent, the program stops taking new requests and closes the intake period. This typically happens in late winter or early spring, though the exact timing depends on how many people are served and how much each case costs.

If you apply after the fund closes, you will be placed on a waiting list for the next fiscal year, which begins in November. The program will contact you when the new year's funding opens. In the meantime, contact your utility company about budget billing, payment plans, or hardship programs they may offer directly.

Other heating and cooling assistance in Will County

If LIHEAP is closed or you do not meet the income limits, other resources may help. Community action agencies in Will County sometimes run their own energy assistance programs with different income limits or funding sources. 211 Illinois (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) can connect you to local programs and utility company hardship plans.

Many utility companies also offer budget billing, which spreads your annual heating and cooling costs evenly across all 12 months, reducing the shock of high winter or summer bills. Ask your utility company whether this option is available and how to enroll.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I rent instead of own my home?

Yes. Renters can receive LIHEAP if the utility bill is in their name. If your landlord pays the utility bill and includes it in your rent, you may not be able to receive LIHEAP directly, but ask the program — some have options for this situation.

What if I have already been disconnected or received a shutoff notice?

Apply immediately. A disconnection notice or recent shutoff actually moves your case up in priority at many programs because reconnection is urgent. Bring the notice with you when you apply so the program knows the timeline.

Do I have to repay LIHEAP money if my income goes up later?

No. LIHEAP is a one-time payment for the bills you owe at the time you receive it. It is not a loan, and you do not repay it if your circumstances change.

Can I apply for both heating and cooling assistance in the same year?

Yes, but funding and rules vary. Some years the program covers both; other years it may prioritize heating in winter and cooling in summer. Ask Will County LIHEAP what is covered during the time you apply.

What if my utility company is not in Will County?

You must live in Will County to receive Will County LIHEAP, but your utility company can be based anywhere. As long as you live in Will County and the bill is for a property in Will County, you can apply.