Energy Assistance

Fulton County Health Department Announces the Start of the Energy Assistance Program

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available for income qualified households beginning October 2, 2023

Canton— The Fulton County Health Department, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in Fulton County, is pleased to announce that funds will soon be available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems. 

The energy assistance department will begin scheduling appointments for LIHEAP on September 18^th, 2023. You can call us on the phone or come to the health department in person to schedule an appointment.

Appointments will be conducted via phone call starting on October 2, 2023 for households with senior citizens, households with members who are on Social Security Disability, and families with children under the age of six years.

On Wednesday, November 1^st, households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice, or have less than 25% in their propane tank can start applying for emergency assistance.

All other income eligible households can start applying December 1, 2023.

The application end date is now changing to August 15^th, 2024 instead of May 31^st, 2024. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 15, 2024.  Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during this period for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit. 

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-$2,430, 2-$3,287, 3-$4,143, 4-5,000. Go to fultoncountyhealth.com or liheapillinois.com to view income limits for households with 5 or more members.

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 at the Fulton County Health Department in Canton, IL at 700 East Oak Street. Appointments can be scheduled in person or via phone call, and appointments will be conducted over the phone.

To submit an application, 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. Proof of Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without a SSN or ITIN may still apply and the Fulton County Health Department will advise accordingly.
3. A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
4. Only if utilities are included as part of your rent: 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.

Please call the Fulton County Health Department at (309)647-1134 extension 245 for outreach locations and schedules, and for information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit your application.