Stephenson County assistance programs.

Help with heating bills

Thousands of people need assistance for paying their heating bills, and the Northwestern Illinois Community Action Agency (NICAA), which helps low and moderate income people in Stephenson and Jo Daviess counties, has a solution for them. The organization has started a Low Income Home Energy Assistance program, which is federally funded but is administered under the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The program runs every year, starting in about November. Applications are accepted at the East Dubuque City Hall, 185 Wisconsin Ave.

There are some criteria that need to be met in order to be eligible for assistance. To qualify for funds, a one-person household cannot have a total household income for 30 days prior to the application date of over $1,354. The scales increases based upon the number of people in the home. For example, for two people, the upper income limit is $1,821; three people total household income can’t exceed, $2,289. For each additional family member, add an additional $467.50 in income.

In addition, if you do apply for aid, applicants need to be able to provide their need, and need to provide documentation, including proof of all income for the prior 30 days, social security cards for all family members, any benefit letters, copies of recent heating and utility bills, medical card, rent receipt, mortgage statement, etc.

If you can’t make it to that location, potential clients are more than welcome to apply at other outreach sites that are located throughout the county. For an appointment at any outreach site across Stephenson County, call Northwestern Illinois Community Action Agency main office which is located in Freeport at 815-232-3141.