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. Applications for the 2027 LIHEAP season are available from October 1, 2026 through August 15, 2027, or until 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
1830 2nd Ave
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-793-6391
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
www.projectnow.org
LIHEAP Income Levels
|
Family Size (Total Number in Household) |
CSBG 30-Day Gross Income Total to Meet Eligibility | LIHEAP 30-Day Gross Income Total to Meet Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,660 | $3,990 |
| 2 | $3,607 | $5,410 |
| 3 | $4,553 | $6,830 |
| 4 | $5,500 | $8,250 |
| 5 | $6,447 | $9,670 |
| 6 | $7,393 | $11,090 |
Program Year 2026 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.
What You Will Need to Apply:
☐ A government-issued form of identification
☐ A copy of a recent gas and electric bill
☐ Proof of income (for all household members aged 18 and over)
Proof of Income Options:
☐ Pay stubs (covering the required time period)
☐ Social Security or SSI award letters
☐ Unemployment benefit statements
☐ Pension or retirement income statements
☐ Child support or alimony documentation
☐ Self-employment income records (e.g., ledgers, tax returns)
☐ Veterans’ benefits documentation
☐ Rental income documentation
☐ Proof of zero income (if applicable, may require a signed statement or affidavit)
Depending upon your household income type, income verification documents from the 30 days prior to the application date, the last 12 months, or last calendar year, whichever is easier or more beneficial for you. If you’re applying, it’s best to contact your local Community Action Agency for specific guidance and to ensure you bring the correct documents.
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