COVID-19 Economic Hardship Recovery Program

This is the State of Illinois energy assistance program available through the local community action agencies. Click the link below to find the phone number to call the agency serving your area. Documentation they require to complete the application usually includes, but is not limited to proof of income, energy bills, and social security numbers for all household members. This is a State of Illinois energy assistance program. Eligibility is based on household size and past 30 days household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. 

Get Started at HelpIllinoisFamilies.com

If you owe money on a previous bill and are income eligible, you may be able to receive financial assistance that will be applied directly to your account. Amounts vary based on household income level, electric and/or gas service and amount owed. The Fresh Start program is scheduled through May 31, 2021 or until funding is exhausted. Call us Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1.800.755.5000 for details.

Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF) is an energy assistance program designed to help moderate income seniors and families who have temporarily experienced a hardship and yet may not meet the guidelines of government programs. Eligibility is based on household size and past 30 days household income between 200% - 350% the federal poverty level. 
 

WNCF works with a statewide network of social service agencies, church groups and community organizations to determine applicant eligibility at the local level. Documentation they require to complete the application usually includes, but is not limited to proof of income and a copy of your most recent energy bill. Below is a list of these agencies, organized by county.
 

Contact the agency serving your area to apply for assistance. 

Ameren Illinois has Residential Hardship Grants for families who are experiencing financial hardship due to job loss, illness, disability or senior citizen. Eligibility is based on household size and past 30 days household income between 0% - 200% the federal poverty level. This program is administered by the local community action agencies, often the same agencies that administers the LIHEAP program. Documentation they require to complete the application usually includes, but is not limited to proof of income and a copy of your most recent energy bill. Applications are accepted until funds are exhausted. 

Select your county below for contact information to get started:
 

* Customers in Livingston, McLean, and Knox counties should contact the Energy Assistance Foundation at 888.690.5700 for more information about this program.

The Ameren Illinois Military Support program provides energy grants of up to $100 per household per year to help pay electric bills for qualifying active members of the military and disabled veterans.
 

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We know that businesses and non-profits like yours are the backbone of the communities you serve. That's why we're connecting you with resources to help you pay expenses so you can stay focused on what matters most – your business, employees and loved ones.

Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG) - The BIG program is open to all eligible businesses (for profit and nonprofit) with $20 million or less in annual revenue in 2019 and that experienced losses due to COVID-19. Learn more at Illinois.gov.

Additional Resources