Heating assistance available this winter

Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity is a non-profit agency which administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) in Jackson, Monroe, Perry, and Randolph Counties.

LIHEAP provides a one-time per season grant that is paid directly to the utility and/or the propane company or wood vendor. If utilities are included in a person's rent, the money will be paid directly to the applicant. If a person has already received help during the current program year and their utilities become disconnected, it is possible to help with a Reconnection Assistance application.

Beginning October 1, assistance will only be available to income-eligible applicants with an elderly (age 60 or older), or a dialed household member. These household types can be connected or disconnected. On November 1, the addition of households with a child under the age of 6 years of age, weather connected or disconnected will be able to apply. On December 1 the program will be open for all income eligible households to apply, whether connected or disconnected. Applications will be taken and processed on a first come first serve basis through May 31, 2016 or until funding is depleted, whichever comes first. Eligibility for LIHEAP is limited to applicant households at or below 150% of the federal poverty income level. Income guidelines are based on the household's gross income for 30 days prior to application date.

The Weatherization Program is this country's longest running and perhaps the most successful energy efficiency program. It enables income-eligible families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.

There are outreach offices in each county where families may apply. In Jackson County, our office is on Murphysboro 618-684-3341; Monroe County office in Waterloo 618-939-8715; Perry County office in Du Quoin 618-542-4656; in Randolph County our offices is in Sparta 618-443-5231.