Section 109.200  Energy Assistance Program

a)         Implementation

This Part institutes the energy assistance program mandated by the Energy Assistance Act.  This assistance program shall be known as the "Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program" (LIHEAP).

b)         Impacting Authorities

The following authorities, among others, affect the implementation or operation of LIHEAP:

1)         The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, which affects eligibility requirements and the use of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Block Grant funds used in LIHEAP.

2)         The Public Utilities Act and the rules applicable to that Act (83 Ill. Adm. Code 280).

3)         The Energy Assistance Act.

c)         Eligibility

Any individual who is a resident of the State of Illinois and whose household income is not greater than 150% of the federal non-farm poverty level as established by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) (or their successor in responsibility) is eligible to apply for benefits under LIHEAP.  In establishing the eligibility level, the Department shall consider factors including, but not limited to, economic conditions, State and federal funding levels, and energy costs.

d)         Application Initiation

Individuals may apply for assistance under LIHEAP at the LAA office serving the area in which the applicant's dwelling unit is located.  A current list of LAA offices may be obtained by calling or writing any office of the Department.

(Source:  Recodified at 29 Ill. Reg. 2791, effective February 3, 2005)