Madison County Community Development is currently out of funding and cannot assist with paying utility bills at this time.  

New funding is expected October 1, 2024.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, administered by Madison County Community Development, assists eligible households pay for winter energy services by providing a one-time benefit to be used for energy bills. 

The amount of the support available is determined by income, household size and heat type.  An overdue bill or disconnect notice is not required for participation in the program.  Individuals do not have to own their home or directly pay energy bills to be eligible for assistance. 

Reconnection assistance may be available as part of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program if the household is disconnected from an energy source needed for heating and/or a delivered-fuel supplier has refused to deliver and the tank contains 25% or less, or when disconnection of heat or secondary energy source is a imminent threat.

Madison County residents may be eligible to participate in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program if the combined income of individuals in the household is at or below the following income levels:

Additionally, if utility expenses are included in the rent, then an individual’s rent must be greater than 30 percent of their total income to be eligible to receive benefits.

When applying for assistance, applicants should provide proof of gross income from all household members for the 30 days prior to the application date, a copy of the current energy bill and social security cards for each household member.

During the heating season, which runs October through August, households could apply for energy assistance at one of the following intake sites or via online application (link above, when program is in operation):

For additional information on the Madison County Community Development Illinois Home Energy Assistance Program, or to schedule an appointment, please call (618) 296-6485.