Speaker Welch Pushing to Expand Access to Utility Bill Relief

WESTCHESTER, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch is working to help modest-income families and older adults facing rising utility bills by backing legislation to expand eligibility for the state’s home energy assistance program, and encouraging residents to apply for relief beginning October 1.

“Working families and seniors on tight budgets are getting slammed at every turn by out-of-touch Washington policies that are driving utility bills through the roof, making everything more expensive, and cutting desperately needed relief,” Welch said. “In Illinois, we want to move in a better direction. That means putting all options on the table to bring down utility costs, address the cost of living crisis, and help people make ends meet.”

During the spring legislative session, Welch sponsored House Bill 1867, which would help more working families and seniors qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by increasing the income eligibility every year to account for the rising cost of living. This would also help protect access to this critical program as Washington’s policies drive inflation higher and raise home energy prices.

LIHEAP helps more than 330,000 Illinois families pay for home energy, usually during the coldest winter months.

The application period for LIHEAP assistance is quickly approaching. For more information on eligibility, or to apply, visit helpillinoisfamiles.com. Residents over the age of 60, persons with disabilities, families with children under 5, and customers with a disconnect date within seven days may begin applying for LIHEAP assistance on October 1. All other eligible households can begin applying on November 1.