The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has announced that Crosswalk Community Action Agency, headquartered in West Frankfort, will be administering the Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Franklin, Jefferson and Williamson Counties. LIHEAP, which provides financial assistance to eligible households to help pay a portion of their home energy services, will start October 2, 2023 and run through August 15, 2024, or until funding is exhausted. Applications will be taken on a first come, first served basis.
There will be priority groups this program year:
1. Oct. 2, 2023, Only elderly, disabled and households with children under the age of six (connected and disconnected households).
2. Nov. 1, 2023, Households that are disconnected; households moving into a new address and having a bad debt; households that are at or below 25% on a delivered fuel and can’t get a delivery on their own.
3. Dec. 1, 2023, All other income eligible households (open enrollment).
They will be working “remotely” from their main office.
After September 18, 2023, Priority Group 1 clients can go to the Crosswalk website at www.crosswalkcaa.com to schedule an appointment for Energy Assistance (LIHEAP).
You will need to have the following documents ready to confirm eligibility with Crosswalk when the intake worker calls: Social Security numbers for all household members; or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without a SSN or ITIN can still apply and Crosswalk will advise accordingly. Proof of gross income for all household members for the past 30 day period, beginning with the date of application; current heat and/or electric bill. Other documents may be needed based on your household situation.
You will have several options available to submit your documentation to Crosswalk (e-mail; fax; mail; or their drop box) This will be discussed, when they call to do the actual application.
If you are Priority Group 1 and you have been disconnected from your utility or if you are at or below 25% on a delivered fuel and cannot get a delivery on your own, you will need to call Crosswalk’s main office at 618-937-3581, ext. 500 to do an emergency reconnection application.
Propane customers, who are part of the first priority group, are encouraged to apply when the program opens in October. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months.
The 2024 Income Guideline for HEAP has been set at 200% of the federal poverty level. Eligibility is based upon gross income for the past thirty day period, beginning with the date of application, and is $2,430 for a one person household, $3,287 for two person households, $4,143 for three person households and $5,000 for four person households.
Go to crosswalkcaa.com to know income limits for households with five and more members.
If there are any further questions, please call Crosswalk’s Main Office at 618-937-3581.
