Resource Directory /

Utility Assistance Resources

  • City of Chicago Coronavirus Response Center

    Latest guidance and information on testing, public health department guidance, available resources, food, shelter and more during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • City of Springfield COVID-19 Community Resources

    The city of Springfield provides a list of community resources available during the COVID-19 pandemic, including public computer labs, mortgage and housing assistance, unemployment, rent assistance, virtual career support, emotional support, payment assistance and family assistance.

  • ComEd Financial Assistance Options

    ComEd has worked with the Attorney General’s office, the staff of the Illinois Commerce Commission and a broad group of stakeholders to develop a financial assistance package to help customers during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

    Available assistance includes customer hardship grants and a bill payment assistance program. Click on the Financial Assistance Options flyer for more information.

  • Community Resources Compilation from the Illinois Housing Development Authority

    The Illinois Housing Development Authority provides this list of community partners to help Illinois residents find food pantries, utility assistance, rental assistance, emergency housing, mortgage assistance, veterans assistance and more.

  • COVID-19 Assistance for Southern Illinois Shawnee Health Service

    COVID-19 Assistance for Southern Illinois Shawnee Health Service received a $250,000 grant from the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund to serve the state’s most vulnerable residents. Shawnee Health Service is focused on deploying resources to Jackson, Williamson, and Union Counties. Assistance may be available to residents of other counties.

    There are no restrictions on age or insurance coverage status. Anyone may request assistance, regardless of whether or not he or she is a patient or client of Shawnee Health Service. Grant funds will be used to assist southern Illinoisans with:

    • Food and basic needs
    • Temporary housing, rent, utilities, or mortgage
    • Utility and financial assistance
    • Out-of-pocket medical costs

    If you would like to request assistance for yourself or on behalf of another person, please call Shawnee Health Service at (618) 519-9200.

  • 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.

  • Illinois Unidos – COVID-19 Resources for Latinx Families

    Illinois Unidos provides a collection of resources developed for and focusing on Latinx families to address:

    • Frequently asked questions regarding vaccinations and mitigation measures
    • Accessing health, economic and mental health community services
    • Stopping the growth of COVID-19
    • The devastating economic impact of COVID-19

    Illinois Unidos is a consortium of more than 150 Latino elected and appointed officials, health professionals and representatives of community-based organizations.

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

    The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months).

    Additionally, you will also qualify for assistance with your water and wastewater bills if your household is disconnected, in threat of disconnection or if you are more than $250 in arrears on your current bill.  You will apply for Low Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) at the same time you complete your current LIHEAP application.

    Due to COVID-19 precautions, some local agencies are closed to the public, but applications may be made remotely.

    To help find an office serving your area, visit this complete list of LIHEAP application agencies based on county.

    For more program information, get the Help Illinois Families flyer, check out the frequently asked questions or call the LIHEAP hotline at (877) 411-WARM (9276).

    Local agencies may offer different types of LIHEAP assistance depending on funding availability and the utility service area.

  • Low Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) – DuPage County

    The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a one-time water and wastewater payment assistance program to help households that are facing the threat of disconnection, have already been disconnected or have past due balances over $250 for their water and wastewater services combined. Customers may apply one time for water and one time for wastewater for the life of the program, which is Feb. 1, 2022 – Aug. 31, 2023.

    DuPage County applications are taken by appointment only by calling (630) 407-6500 or emailing CSprograms@dupageco.org.

  • Mid Central Community Action

    Mid Central Community Action (MCCA) can provide resources to help individuals and families that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis build stability and sustainability.

    MCCA provides workshops and services to help with:

    • Job training and finding employment
    • One-on-one financial coaching, credit counseling and education (in Bloomington)
    • Building credit, savings and assets
    • Applying for programs such as food stamps, utility assistance and affordable health insurance as needed
    • Supporting victims of domestic violence
    • Foreclosure intervention and solutions
    • Housing for homeless individuals with disabilities