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Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Illinois

Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Illinois

Last updated: September 2025

This guide gives you practical, step‑by‑step help to keep your lights, heat, and water on in Illinois. You’ll find phone numbers, websites, timelines, and backup plans. Keep this page handy and share it with a friend who might need it. You can start applications online through Help Illinois Families, learn your legal shutoff protections from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), and compare program details on the federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse. (dceo.illinois.gov)


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

  • Call your utility now: Ask for a “Deferred Payment Arrangement” and note the terms they offer while you’re on the phone. Then file for LIHEAP today through Help Illinois Families, call the ICC Consumer Services line if you hit a wall, and write down your confirmation or case number. (dceo.illinois.gov)
  • Use your shutoff protections: On days forecast at or below 32°F, during the winter rule window (Dec 1–Mar 31), or when the forecast is 90°F+ or there’s a heat advisory, ask the agent to check your disconnection against the state rule. Have the ICC page and statute ready on your phone from ICC Winter Rules, the 90°F law in Public Act 103‑0019, and a news explainer from WCIA. (icc.illinois.gov)
  • Ask your doctor for a medical certificate if someone in the home is medically vulnerable: Your doctor can call in a “medical certification” to pause shutoff for 60 days and get you a structured payment plan. Keep the rule handy from 83 Ill. Adm. Code §280.160, the reconnection timing from §280.170, and the ICC consumer page at icc.illinois.gov/consumers. (law.cornell.edu)

Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy

How to Stop a Utility Shutoff in Illinois Today

Start with the action that stops the immediate crisis. Ask for a payment plan that fits your income, trigger your legal temperature protections if the forecast qualifies, and apply for LIHEAP the same day. Use the instructions at Help Illinois Families, the disconnection timelines in 83 Ill. Adm. Code §280.130, and the ICC “winter rules” explainer at icc.illinois.gov/consumers. (dceo.illinois.gov)

If a child or you have a serious health condition, tell the agent you are seeking a medical certificate and ask for the fax or email to send it right away. The rule pauses disconnection for 60 days and gives a 12‑month plan if you certify before disconnection. The specifics are in §280.160 Medical Certification, the reconnection clock at §280.170, and the ICC consumer page at icc.illinois.gov/consumers. (law.cornell.edu)

Illinois also bans shutoffs when the forecasted high is 90°F or when the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat alert. Keep the law link ready from Public Act 103‑0019, reference a state brief at Office of the Lt. Governor, and bring a news summary from WGEM. (ilga.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: Call ICC Consumer Services at 1‑800‑524‑0795 and open a complaint while you’re on the phone with the utility. Ask ICC to conference in the utility. Keep copies of your notice and any payment plan offers. File LIHEAP the same day through Help Illinois Families and ask your agency about “reconnection” or “crisis” funding listed on the state press pages. (icc.illinois.gov)

Quick Program Snapshot (2025–2026)

Program What it pays Typical benefit or discount Dates Where to start
LIHEAP (energy bill help) One‑time payment to electric/gas vendor; crisis/reconnection; furnace repair Heating 315–315–2,075; crisis up to 1,500;average1,500; average 930 last year Oct 1, 2025–Aug 15, 2026 (priority groups Oct 1; all others Nov 1) Help Illinois Families and LIHEAP Clearinghouse (dceo.illinois.gov)
Low‑Income Gas Discount (LID) Monthly discount on your total gas bill 5%–83% based on income and utility Open; auto‑enroll if on LIHEAP; 5% self‑certify at 201–300% FPL ICC LID overview and PowerBillDiscount.com (icc.illinois.gov)
IHWAP Weatherization Insulation, air sealing, furnace/water heater repair or replacement Up to 20,000energymeasures;20,000 energy measures; 4,000 health/safety (PY2026) Year‑round; waitlists common IHWAP and CAA Finder (dceo.illinois.gov)
Chicago Utility Billing Relief (UBR) 50% water/sewer rate cut, no penalties; debt forgiveness after 12 months Monthly based on usage; debt wiped after 12 on‑time months Rolling enrollment UBR program and UBR apply (chicago.gov)
WNCF (Ameren area) Year‑round energy grants for moderate‑income households Up to $500 per household Seasonal pauses possible Warm Neighbors Cool Friends and Ameren assistance (warmneighborscoolfriends.org)
Peoples Gas Share the Warmth Heating grant for Chicago gas customers Up to $200 Open via CEDA Share the Warmth and CEDA (peoplesgasdelivery.com)
Nicor Gas Sharing One‑time grant for 201–300% FPL Up to 400(min400 (min 150) Ongoing via Salvation Army Nicor Sharing and ICC assistance page (nicorgas.com)
Illinois American Water — H2O/Income‑Based Discount Water bill help via Dollar Energy + Salvation Army aid H2O up to $100; income‑based monthly discounts Rolling Illinois American Water CAP and Salvation Army info (amwater.com)
Springfield CWLP Project RELIEF Help with overdue electric and water before shutoff Amount varies by case Rolling, funds limited CWLP Project RELIEF and CWLP Assistance (cwlp.com)

LIHEAP in Illinois — What to Do First

Apply online or via your county agency: Priority households start October 1, 2025 (seniors, people with disabilities, kids under 6, or shutoff/propane under 25%), and all other eligible households start November 1, 2025. Submit the Request for Services form at Help Illinois Families, find your local agency via the county list, and review the benefit ranges on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse. Expect 10–15 business days for non‑crisis files; crisis files move faster. Call to confirm current timelines. (dceo.illinois.gov)

Eligibility basics: LIHEAP uses 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) for the 2025–2026 year and counts the last 30 days of gross income. If heat is included in rent, you can still qualify. Check the current chart and dates at Help Illinois Families, see agency examples like Western Egyptian EOC, and review legal aid summaries at Illinois Legal Aid Online. (dceo.illinois.gov)

What it pays this year: For FY2025 data, heating benefits ranged roughly 315–315–2,075, with crisis up to 1,500andstatewideaveragearound1,500 and statewide average around 930; amounts vary by fuel, household size, and funding level. Check the state and federal pages for updates before you apply—benefits change with funding. Keep tabs on the Governor’s LIHEAP press releases, DCEO updates at Utility Bill Assistance, and the LIHEAP Clearinghouse profile. Call to confirm availability in your county. (gov.illinois.gov)

How to apply — steps

  • Gather ID, Social Security or ITIN (or alternative ID if you don’t have SSN/ITIN), your last 30 days of income for all adults, and your most recent utility bills. Use the document lists from Help Illinois Families, see CEDA’s checklist at CEDA Gas & Electric, and check a rural agency example like NICAA. (dceo.illinois.gov)
  • Submit the Request for Services online and wait to be contacted; if no contact in three weeks, call your local agency directly. Keep your Application ID and check status via the guidance on Help Illinois Families, see processing windows on UECA (Cook County), and call the Help Illinois Families call center at 1‑833‑711‑0374 for help in 30+ languages. (dceo.illinois.gov)
  • If you have a disconnect or propane below 25%, say “crisis,” and ask about reconnection or furnace assistance. Read the state’s crisis options in DCEO press info, see local postings like CEFS, and keep a local phone list (many agencies post status updates). (dceo.illinois.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: Ask your utility for a Deferred Payment Arrangement (standard 25% down; low‑income 20% down) and get it in writing. See the general rule in §280.120, the low‑income rule in §280.125, and ICC tips at Rules Applicable to Utilities. If needed, open an ICC complaint while you negotiate. (law.cornell.edu)

Low‑Income Discount (LID) for Natural Gas — Big Monthly Savings

Check your discount tier: Gas utilities now offer a monthly bill credit based on income. Tiers range from 5% to as high as 83% off the total bill, depending on your utility and income. If you get LIHEAP, the discount is automatic; if you’re 201–300% FPL, ask for the 5% discount via self‑certification. Read details on ICC’s overview, see utility tier charts at Peoples Gas LID, and review statewide guidance at PowerBillDiscount.com. (icc.illinois.gov)

Where to enroll: If you plan to apply for LIHEAP anyway, enroll through your local Community Action Agency for the higher 10%–83% tiers. If your income is 201–300% FPL and you don’t want LIHEAP, call your gas utility for the 5% tier: contact Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, or Ameren Illinois Gas. (nicorgas.com)

Timing note: ComEd electric LID discounts are slated to begin January 1, 2026 per the state’s LIHEAP portal. Keep an eye on the How to Apply page and on ICC’s LID updates. (dceo.illinois.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: If funds in your area are paused, apply to a utility hardship fund and ask the utility to “pair” your LID with an extended payment plan. Use Warm Neighbors Cool Friends for Ameren, Share the Warmth for Peoples Gas, and Nicor Sharing. (warmneighborscoolfriends.org)

Weatherization (IHWAP) — Cut Bills for Good

Apply for a home energy upgrade: The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program can fund insulation, air sealing, and heating system work. Maximums for PY2026 are 20,000forenergymeasuresand20,000 for energy measures and 4,000 for health/safety fixes. Start at IHWAP, find your local agency with the CAA Locator, and confirm current caps with the local office. Waitlists are common; ask about priority for seniors and medically fragile households. (dceo.illinois.gov)

What gets fixed: Typical measures include attic/wall insulation, air sealing, furnace or water‑heater repair/replacement, and basic electrical load reduction. You can preview eligible measures at IHWAP program page, check federal guidance via the LIHEAP Clearinghouse, and request large‑print applications through your local agency. (dceo.illinois.gov)

Timeline: Expect an energy audit visit in 2–8 weeks and installation in 4–12 weeks after approval depending on local contractor capacity. Always confirm local timing with your agency. Stay in touch through the Help Illinois Families call center at 1‑833‑711‑0374, and escalate delays through your agency supervisor if needed. (dceo.illinois.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: Ask your electric or gas utility for a free energy assessment and rebates while you wait. Ameren and ComEd host efficiency programs listed on Ameren Illinois and at ComEd Hourly Pricing Tools for usage awareness. Use CUB’s energy tips to cut “phantom load” and stabilize costs in the meantime. (ameren.com)

Water Bill Help — Chicago, Statewide, and City Programs

Chicago homeowners: Apply for Utility Billing Relief for a 50% rate cut, no penalties, and full debt forgiveness after 12 on‑time months. Start at UBR overview, apply at UBR online, and use UBR FAQs for step‑by‑step help. (chicago.gov)

Other Illinois communities: Many water systems use assistance partners. Illinois American Water has an income‑based discount and H2O Help to Others grants; review the program at Illinois American Water, ask your local Salvation Army office about H2O grants, and request a payment arrangement with your water utility before shutoff. (amwater.com)

Local examples: Springfield’s City Water, Light & Power runs Project RELIEF for overdue electric/water accounts; read details at CWLP Project RELIEF. Rockford’s Utility Billing office offers a hardship program via Human Services; call 844‑710‑6919 and see Rockford Utility Billing. For help finding other local aid, dial 211 Illinois and ask for “water assistance.” (cwlp.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: Ask your city council member’s office about emergency funds or nonprofit partners. Keep applying for LIHEAP/IHWAP to lower your energy costs so you can redirect money to water bills. Use the intake network at Help Illinois Families, the UBR team at City of Chicago UBR, and the statewide referral line 211 Illinois. (dceo.illinois.gov)

Utility‑Specific Help You Can Request Today

ComEd (electric): Ask for a payment plan, budget billing, and if you qualify, special hardship or CHAMP (military family) grants. Start with phone support at 1‑800‑334‑7661, read scam‑prevention and contact info at ComEd Scam Alert, and see program summaries on the Powering Lives blog. Watch for community resource fairs promoted on Powering Lives. (poweringlives.comed.com)

Ameren Illinois (electric/gas): Combine LIHEAP or LID with Warm Neighbors Cool Friends if you’re moderate‑income. Read Ameren’s assistance page at Ameren Energy Assistance, apply for WNCF at warmneighborscoolfriends.org, and watch for one‑time Ameren relief grants in press updates at Ameren Media Room. (ameren.com)

Nicor Gas: Ask about the Sharing Grant (up to $400) through Salvation Army and check your LID discount status. Use Nicor Sharing, verify PIPP current status at Nicor PIPP, and read county 211 updates at 211 DuPage. (nicorgas.com)

Peoples Gas / North Shore Gas: In Cook and Lake counties, LID discounts can be large. Apply for LIHEAP/LID via CEDA and ask for Share the Warmth if you need a grant. See Peoples Gas LID, apply for grants through Share the Warmth, and use CEDA for intake help. (peoplesgasdelivery.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: If you’re being pitched by an “alternative supplier,” be careful. Many Illinois families overpay with third‑party suppliers. Compare offers with your utility’s supply rate and read warnings from the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), review shopping rules at Plug‑In Illinois Consumer Protections, and get help from ICC. (citizensutilityboard.org)

Your Rights When You Owe — Payment Plans, Notices, and Reconnection

Know the basic payment plan rules: Utilities must offer a Deferred Payment Arrangement if you haven’t defaulted in the past 12 months. Standard down payment is 25% of the past‑due amount with 4–12 months to pay; low‑income customers can get 20% down and 6–12 months with more flexibility. Read the law at §280.120, low‑income terms at §280.125, and ICC’s consumer rules summary at Rules Applicable to Utilities. (law.cornell.edu)

Disconnection notice timing: Utilities must give at least 10 days between notice and shutoff, and the notice is valid for 45 days. There are additional call attempts required 48 and 24 hours before disconnection if the utility has your phone. Study the details at §280.130, read a parallel summary at Justia §280.130, and use the ICC complaint line if rules aren’t followed. (law.cornell.edu)

Reconnection deadlines: After you cure the problem or provide a valid medical certificate, electric/water/sewer reconnection must occur within 4 days (gas within 7), and medical certificate accounts must be reconnected within one business day. Keep §280.170 and the ICC complaint page at icc.illinois.gov/complaints handy when you call. (law.cornell.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: Ask for a supervisor and say you will open an ICC complaint now. Then call 1‑800‑524‑0795 while on the line with the utility. If you cannot resolve it informally, ICC can step in with a formal complaint process explained at File a Complaint. (icc.illinois.gov)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reality Check — What to Expect This Year

Funding and timelines are tight: LIHEAP funds can run out in some counties before the end date. Some agencies paused funds in spring/summer 2025 and resumed when the new program year opened. Check your local agency’s status page (examples include CEFS), follow DCEO announcements at Utility Bill Assistance, and verify intake times by phone. (cefseoc.org)

Bills rose for many homes: ComEd’s capacity charge increased June 2025, raising average bills about 10% across the territory. Read the plain‑English note from ComEd Hourly Pricing, learn how to steady bills with budget billing on Ameren, and use 211 to find local budgeting help at 211 Illinois. (hourlypricing.comed.com)

Internet discounts changed: The federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended funding in 2024, but Lifeline phone/internet still exists. See the ACP wind‑down at the FCC, look up Lifeline at the FCC Lifeline page, and call your provider about low‑cost plans. (fcc.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Need You do Link or number
Stop a shutoff today Ask for a DPA; cite winter/heat rules; file LIHEAP same day ICC Consumer Services 1‑800‑524‑0795; Help Illinois Families (icc.illinois.gov)
Medical pause Request medical certificate; get doctor to call; send written cert in 7 days §280.160 (law.cornell.edu)
Gas bill discount Enroll in LID; LIHEAP auto‑enrolls, 5% self‑cert for 201–300% FPL PowerBillDiscount.com (powerbilldiscount.com)
Chicago water debt Join UBR for 50% rate cut and debt forgiveness UBR program (utilitybill.chicago.gov)
Legal help on appeals Call legal aid and read LIHEAP appeal steps Illinois Legal Aid Online and Land of Lincoln (illinoislegalaid.org)

Application Checklist — Print or Screenshot

Troubleshooting — If Your Application Gets Denied

Use the appeal steps: You have 30 days to ask your local agency for an informal conference; you should receive a decision in writing. If needed, request state review within 30 days, and a formal hearing after that. See the step‑by‑step guide at Illinois Legal Aid Online, keep DCEO’s contact info at Utility Bill Assistance, and request help from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid. (illinoislegalaid.org)

Get advocacy support: If you live in Cook County, ask CEDA for a supervisor review. In other regions, call your Community Action Agency listed on the county list, and if needed, file an ICC complaint at icc.illinois.gov/complaints. (cedaorg.net)

Resources by Region (examples you can call today)

Diverse Communities — Tailored Tips and Contacts

LGBTQ+ single mothers: If your name and service address don’t match due to safety or transition, ask the utility for help updating records and note Illinois’ identity and discrimination protections when you speak with customer service. For affirming referrals, call 211 Illinois, request legal help via Illinois Legal Aid Online, and apply for LIHEAP through Help Illinois Families. (211illinois.org)

Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Ask for accessible communications, large‑print forms, and TTY/relay options. Use Equip for Equality for disability rights help, call the ICC TTY at 1‑800‑858‑9277 from ICC Consumer Services, and request IHWAP home health/safety measures through IHWAP. (equipforequality.org)

Veteran single mothers: Apply for CHAMP/ComEd military grants and ask for VA help connecting you to heating assistance. Use ComEd assistance overview, call MyVA411 (24/7) 1‑800‑698‑2411, and contact Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 800‑437‑9824. (stg-poweringlives.comed.com)

Immigrant/refugee single moms: You can apply for LIHEAP regardless of immigration status; ask about acceptable IDs if you lack SSN/ITIN. Start at Help Illinois Families, call the ICIRR Family Support Hotline 1‑855‑435‑7693 for language help, and use Illinois Immigration Info Hub for rights and referrals. (dceo.illinois.gov)

Tribal‑affiliated families living in Illinois: If your tribe operates its own LIHEAP where you live, follow your tribal program’s instructions; otherwise, apply through the state portal. Compare state rules on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse (Illinois), use Help Illinois Families for intake, and request language support at the 1‑833‑711‑0374 call center. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

Rural single moms with co‑op service: Electric cooperatives aren’t ICC‑regulated for many rules, but LIHEAP and weatherization still apply. Use Help Illinois Families, check 211 for local church aid via 211 Illinois, and keep the ICC complaint line for investor‑owned water/gas issues at ICC. (dceo.illinois.gov)

Single fathers: Every program in this guide is gender‑neutral. Apply through Help Illinois Families, get legal help at Illinois Legal Aid Online, and use 211 Illinois to find local support. (dceo.illinois.gov)

Language access: Ask for translated forms and interpreter support. The LIHEAP call center offers help in 30+ languages. Use Help Illinois Families, TTY at ICC Consumer Services, and 211 texting at 211 Illinois. (dceo.illinois.gov)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Illinois — At a Glance

Situation What protects you Where to show it
It’s between Dec 1–Mar 31 Winter rule for heat customers; extra steps before shutoff ICC Winter Rules and §280.130 (icc.illinois.gov)
Forecast ≤32°F No disconnections on those days or before freezing weekends/holidays ICC Winter Rules and news explainer (icc.illinois.gov)
Forecast ≥90°F or heat advisory Shutoffs banned in extreme heat by law Public Act 103‑0019 and WGEM (ilga.gov)
Medical risk in the home 60‑day medical certification and structured plan §280.160 and §280.170 (law.cornell.edu)
You can’t pay the full balance DPA with 25% down (standard) or 20% down (low‑income) §280.120 and §280.125 (law.cornell.edu)

County‑Specific Notes You Should Know

Cook County: Apply through CEDA (LIHEAP, PIPP recerts, Share the Warmth). Chicago UBR is separate and handled through the city; apply online at UBR or ask CEDA to help you enroll. For energy emergencies, use ICC at File a Complaint. (cedaorg.net)

Ameren territory (central/southern counties): Warm Neighbors Cool Friends can help moderate‑income families who don’t qualify for LIHEAP. Start at WNCF, review Ameren’s assistance page at Ameren Illinois, and ask your agency about LIHEAP crisis funds for reconnection. (warmneighborscoolfriends.org)

Peoples/North Shore Gas (Chicago and northern suburbs): The Low‑Income Discount is generous—ask about your tier and apply via Peoples Gas LID or through CEDA. Consider Share the Warmth with CEDA if you need a grant. (peoplesgasdelivery.com)

Nicor Gas (suburbs and exurbs): The Sharing Program gives up to $400 based on balance. Apply at a Salvation Army office listed on Nicor Sharing and check your LID status. (nicorgas.com)

Real‑World Examples

Chicago mom behind on both ComEd and Peoples Gas: Same day, request a DPA with both utilities, enroll in LIHEAP via Help Illinois Families, and ask CEDA about Share the Warmth. If your forecast is at/below 32°F or 90°F+, cite protections from ICC and Public Act 103‑0019. (dceo.illinois.gov)

Rural mom with a near‑empty propane tank: You can apply in the priority window if your tank is under 25%. File through Help Illinois Families, call your local agency from the county list, and ask the utility for a budget plan while you wait. Use 211 Illinois for local fuel fund referrals. (dceo.illinois.gov)

Veteran single mom facing disconnection: Call MyVA411 (1‑800‑698‑2411) for fast VA screening, ask ComEd about CHAMP at the Powering Lives page, and apply for LIHEAP at Help Illinois Families. If needed, ask IDVA to connect you to local SSVF partners. (department.va.gov)

Frequently Asked Questions (Illinois‑Specific)

How much can LIHEAP pay toward my bill this year: The range in FY2025 was roughly 315to315 to 2,075 for heating, with crisis/reconnection up to 1,500andanaveragearound1,500 and an average around 930. Amounts change with funding and fuel type. Check the latest on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse, read state press updates at the Governor’s Newsroom, and confirm with your local agency. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

When can I apply for LIHEAP for 2025–2026: Priority groups (seniors, disabilities, kids under 6, disconnections, or propane under 25%) start October 1, 2025; all other eligible households start November 1, 2025; the season runs until August 15, 2026 or when funds end. Apply at Help Illinois Families, and call 1‑833‑711‑0374 if you need help. (dceo.illinois.gov)

Is Illinois’ PIPP open: Many utilities note that the State is not accepting new PIPP enrollments for 2025, but current participants keep benefits if they recertify. See notices at Peoples Gas PIPP and Nicor PIPP, and ask your agency whether limited PIPP recerts are available. Use LID if new PIPP is closed. (peoplesgasdelivery.com)

What if my shutoff is set for a day with dangerous heat or deep freeze: Illinois bans shutoffs when the forecast is 90°F+ or during the winter rule. Quote Public Act 103‑0019, show the ICC winter rules, and ask for a supervisor. Then open an ICC complaint if needed. (ilga.gov)

Can my doctor stop a shutoff if my child is medically fragile: Yes. A medical certificate pauses disconnection for 60 days and starts a structured plan. Have the doctor call; submit written certification within 7 days. Bring the rule at §280.160 and reconnection timing at §280.170. (law.cornell.edu)

How do I get a payment plan I can afford: Ask for a DPA and identify as low‑income if you qualify. Standard DPAs require 25% down with 4–12 months; low‑income DPAs can require 20% down with 6–12 months or longer at utility discretion. Read §280.120 and §280.125. (law.cornell.edu)

Where can I find help if a rep is rude or I’m getting nowhere: Ask for a supervisor and then call ICC’s consumer line to open a complaint. Use ICC Complaints, read consumer help at ICC Consumers, and get advocacy tips from CUB. (icc.illinois.gov)

What about water bills outside Chicago: Ask your water utility for a payment plan; if you’re an Illinois American Water customer, look at the income‑based discount/H2O Help to Others. See Illinois American Water CAP, and call local Salvation Army offices listed there. Use 211 Illinois to find city hardship funds. (amwater.com)

Can I get help if I’m slightly over LIHEAP income: Yes—try the 5% gas LID tier at 201–300% FPL and utility hardship funds. Start at PowerBillDiscount.com, check WNCF, and ask Nicor Sharing. (powerbilldiscount.com)

Who do I call for veterans‑specific help: Use the VA’s single number MyVA411 1‑800‑698‑2411, contact IDVA 800‑437‑9824, and ask ComEd about CHAMP as shown on Powering Lives. (department.va.gov)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: Ask your township supervisor’s office about emergency assistance, keep applying for LIHEAP at Help Illinois Families, and escalate shutoff disputes to ICC Consumer Services right away. (dceo.illinois.gov)

Timelines and What to Expect

Step Typical timeline Notes
LIHEAP online request submitted 3–21 days to agency contact If no contact in 3 weeks, call your local agency from the county list. (dceo.illinois.gov)
Crisis/reconnect LIHEAP Same day–5 business days Varies by funds; ask your caseworker about UDAP/reconnection assistance in DCEO press info. (dceo.illinois.gov)
Weatherization audit 2–8 weeks Confirm with your local IHWAP office. (dceo.illinois.gov)
Reconnection after cure/cert 1–7 days Medical: 1 business day; electric/water/sewer: 4 days; gas: 7 days per §280.170. (law.cornell.edu)

Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español

Esta sección fue producida con herramientas de traducción de IA. Confirme cada regla/fecha con las fuentes oficiales.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide is informational. Programs change, funding can run out, and eligibility is case‑specific. Always confirm the latest amounts, dates, and forms directly with your local agency or utility. For legal advice, contact a licensed attorney or legal aid like Illinois Legal Aid Online, for disconnection disputes contact ICC Consumer Services, and for veterans’ issues call MyVA411. (icc.illinois.gov)

Tables, phone numbers, program names, and amounts reflect the best available information as of September 15, 2025. For water, gas, and electric relief, always call to confirm current availability before applying.

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