Winter's Coming: Apply for Home Energy Assistance

As summer turns to autumn – winter can’t be far off.  And to help ward off the winter chill, the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County offers assistance for qualifying seniors and those with disabilities.

A representative of CEDA will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at Lemont Township at 1115 Warner Avenue to help process applications for Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) programs.

Appointments are required – and those who  apply should bring all necessary paperwork to the appointment. Call Human Services at 630-257-2522 for information on income guidelines and required documentation.

What types of energy programs are available?

According to CEDA’s website (http://www.cedaorg.net/www2/EnergyAssistance.html) this winter heating season, LIHEAP-eligible applicants will have the option to decide which of two LIHEAP programs is best for them: the Direct Vendor Payment (DVP) or Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP).

DVP is designed to assist income-eligible households with winter energy services in the form of a one-time benefit payment to the utility companies that are applied directly to the household’s energy bills. The amount of the payment is determined by income, household size and fuel type.

PIPP provides a monthly benefit payment to the utilities based on household utility usage and monthly income. Customers are required to pay a reduced amount on their utility bills each month to get the benefit payments. PIPP participants may also receive credits toward their outstanding balance.

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