Project NOW, Inc., as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in Henry, Mercer, and Rock Island counties, is pleased to announce that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.

The program will begin taking applications TOMORROW October 1, 2024, for older adults (60 years +), individuals with a disability, families with children five and under and households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank.  All other income eligible households can start applying November 1, 2024.

Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 15, 2025, or until funding is exhausted.  Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed.

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.projectnow.org or liheapillinois.com to know income limits for households with 5 members and more.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service.  Propane customers who are part of the priority group are encouraged to apply when the program opens in October.  Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so by applying early,  propane customers will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.

Applications will be taken by phone intake and in person at 1830 2^nd Ave. Rock Island, IL, 2221 11^th St. Rock Island, IL, 605 SW 3^rd St., Aledo, IL and 404 E. 3^rd St., Kewanee, IL. Online applications can also be completed by visiting www.projectnow.org.

To apply, you MUST submit ALL documentation required:

1. Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
2. 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 Project NOW Inc. will advise accordingly.
3. A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
4. A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact.
5. Other documents may be needed based on your household situation.  If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.

Beginning October 1, 2024, income eligible LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas will receive a monthly discount on their natural gas bill through the new Low Income Discount Rates.  Visit liheapillinois.com to know more details.

Please call Project NOW at (309)-793-6391 for outreach locations and schedules, and for information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit your application.

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Sean Leary Director of Digital Media

Sean Leary is an author, director, artist, musician, producer and entrepreneur who has been writing professionally since debuting at age 11 in the pages of the Comics Buyers Guide. An honors graduate of the University of Southern California masters program, he has written over 50 books including the best-sellers The Arimathean, Every Number is Lucky to Someone and We Are All Characters.