JCE Co-op supports its membership during times of hardship through various energy assistance programs that assist low-income residential members with their heating and cooling bills. Utilizing federal, state, local and self-funded programs provides for continuation of electric or natural gas services and ensures energy security for members in need. Please contact us at 800-858-5522 or the resources below if you are having difficulty paying energy bills.
LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay the winter heating bills of eligible households with low income. This assistance is based on household income, household size, type of fuel and type of housing.
Benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of eligible households. The exception is households whose heating costs are included in rent.
The LIHEAP program began taking applications on Oct. 2, 2023 for all seniors (age 60 and older), disabled and families with children under the age of 6. On Nov. 1, 2023, households that are disconnected from their energy utility vendors, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25 percent in their propane can start applying for LIHEAP assistance. All other income eligible households can start applying on Dec. 1, 2023.
The last day to apply through your local administering agency is Aug. 15, 2024, or when funding is exhausted.
If you are interested in learning if you qualify, please contact the appropriate agency for your county:
Jo Daviess County
NICAA
27 S. State Ave.
Freeport, IL 61032
815-232-3141
800-883-1111
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
www.nicaa.org
Carroll and Whiteside Counties
Tri-County Opportunities Council
405 Emmons Ave., PO Box 160
Rock Falls, IL 61071-0610
800-323-5434
815-625-7830
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
www.tcochelps.org
Project Now
418 19th St. PO Box 3970
Rock Island, IL 61204-3970
309-852-4565
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
www.projectnow.org
LIHEAP Income Levels
| Family Size | 30 Day Income | Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,430 | $29,160 |
| 2 | $3,287 | $39,440 |
| 3 | $4,143 | $49,720 |
| 4 | $5,000 | $60,000 |
| 5 | $5,857 | $70,280 |
| 6 | $6,713 | $80,560 |
| 7 | $7,570 | $90,840 |
| 8 | $7,775 | $93,298 |
Program Year 2024 Income Guidelines are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines and State Median Income. The state reserves the right to adjust these levels based on the availability of federal funds. For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Commerce's Community Action Agencies page.
Neighbor to Neighbor Care Funds
If you need assistance paying your energy bill, help may be available through JCE Co-op's Neighbor to Neighbor Care funds. This program works in tandem with LIHEAP.
If funds are available, you may receive a grant from the Neighbor to Neighbor funds.To see if you qualify, please contact your Local Administering agency listed in the LiHeap section above, and ask about JCE Co-op Neighbor to Neighbor funds.
Local Programs
Jo Daviess County Veterans Assistance Program