Embarras River Basin Agency Announces the Start of the Energy Assistance Program
Greenup— The Embarras River Basin Agency (ERBA) as administrator of the Home Energy Assistance Program in Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Jasper, Lawrence and Richland, is pleased to announce that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and electric bills and furnace assistance.
The program will begin September 1, 2021 for all income-eligible households. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through May 31, 2022. There will be no priority groups this program year. Households in need are encouraged to apply.
Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive a benefit from the LIHEAP Program. Beginning September 1, there will be an option to accept a one-time payment to your utility provider, or to enroll in PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) which consists of a monthly benefit you will receive as long as you make your monthly payment that will be determined at the time of intake. PIPP is available for LIHEAP eligible households who are customers of one of the following utilities: Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shores Gas and Peoples Gas. PIPP applicants will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis and the program will be offered until March 30th, 2022 or when ERBA has reached the maximum capacity of households for the program. The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP and PIPP are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income and the number of persons living in the household. The guidelines are as follows: 1-$2,147, 2-$2,903, 3-$3,660, 4-$4,417. Go to www.erbainc.org to know income limits for households with 5 members and more.
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 are encouraged to apply when the program opens in September to take greater advantage of lower propane prices. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so by applying early propane users will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.
Applications will be taken at each of our outreach offices (see below), by phone when necessary and there will be an electronic pre-application available on our website after the 1st of September.
To submit an application, you MUST submit ALL documentation required:
- Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
- Proof of Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without a SSN or ITIN can still apply and ERBA will advise accordingly.
- A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
- Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.
- A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact.
Please call ERBA at 217-923-3113 for outreach locations and hours, and for information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit your application.
Our Outreach Locations are as follows
Clark County 2 W. Cumberland, Martinsville, IL 62442
217-712-2090
Coles County-East 696 Castle Drive, Charleston, IL 61920
217-500-3120
Coles County-West 416 S. 17th St, Mattoon, IL 61938
217-961-0831
Crawford County 100 Washington, Robinson, IL 62454
618-544-8780
Cumberland County 115 S. Kentucky, Greenup, IL 62428
217-921-5505
Douglas County 107 W. South Central, Tuscola, IL 61953
217-253-4434
Edgar County 114 Andrew St, Paris, IL 61944
217-500-3090
Jasper County 904 W. Jourdan, Newton, IL 62448
618-783-3987
Lawrence County 1211 State, Lawrenceville, IL 62439
618-943-2938
Richland County 306 E. Main, Olney, IL 62450
618-395-2714
