The Knox County Health Department has announced that eligible households can begin scheduling Home Energy Assistance Program appointments.
Households that can schedule now, are for Priority Group 1 – which are households with senior citizens or those who have members with a documented disability. “That group is pretty straightforward as to which ones are available,” said Wil Hayes with the Health Department. “If you have a disability, it has to be a documented disability. If you’ve applied for disability or if you are in the process of applying – that does not count. The way the program is set up, (is) you’ve already been approved, and you can prove it.” LIHEAP is a state and federally funded energy assistance program that provides one-time benefits to income-eligible households to help with winter energy bills or reconnections of service.
Appointments for Priority Group 2 – which are households with children 5 and under and households with disconnected power sources beginning November 1st.
All other eligible households can apply starting December 1st. When applying, documentation needed includes proof of social security for all household members, proof of gross income for all members, current heating and electric bills, and proof of any other assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services. Eligible households may apply by walking-in to schedule an appointment at the Knox County Health Department between 8:00am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday, or by calling 344-22-24.
