Income-qualified customers who have fallen behind on their energy bills can apply for payment assistance from Ameren through their local Illinois LIHEAP agency, thanks to a new program offering an additional $150 in support.
This support comes from an Ameren program announced earlier in August that is providing $4 million to assistance agencies to help customers who have been impacted by rising electricity supply prices and extreme summer temperatures. This new program is on top of nearly $58 million in assistance Ameren Illinois customers have benefited from this year.
“Our Illinois LIHEAP partners are stepping up to help us distribute much needed bill payment grants to customers who are experiencing financial difficulties due to higher electricity prices,” said Joe Solari, vice president of customer experience at Ameren. “We encourage customers who have fallen behind on their bills to reach out to a local LIHEAP agency to determine their eligibility and apply for funding.”
A reduction of available energy resources in the Ameren Illinois service territory has caused the price of electricity to increase during the summer months. The higher supply costs, combined with extremely hot and humid conditions and increased at-home energy usage, have led to higher than normal electric bills for many Ameren Illinois customers.
Program details
Eligible customers can receive a one-time grant of $150 toward their energy bill. To identify your local LIHEAP agency and determine your eligibility for funding, visit HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or call 833-711-0374 while funds are available.
In addition to this relief program, Ameren Illinois is making customers aware of other financial and energy-saving opportunities:
- Community Development Workshops: In September and October, Ameren Illinois will host regional events to connect customers to available funding and provide consultation on in-home energy-saving strategies.
- Energy Efficiency: Customers are urged to explore energy efficiency programs that can help reduce usage and lower monthly bills. Through a Home Energy Assessment, eligible customers may qualify for upgrades such as insulation, heating equipment and ventilation improvements – often at little to no cost. More details are available at AmerenIllinoisSavings.com/SaveMoney.
- LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Income qualifying customers can apply for financial help through LIHEAP when the new season begins on October 1. In addition to receiving a one-time benefit on your energy bill, LIHEAP eligible customers will automatically be approved for a credit on their monthly gas bill through the Natural Gas Service Discount program. Also, deposit and late payment charges will be waived. For more information on financial guidelines, and to identify a local agency in your community, Ameren Illinois customers may call the Help Illinois Families Assistance Hotline at 883-711-0374 or visit HelpIllinoisFamilies.com. (See below for more information)
For a comprehensive list of energy assistance programs, bill payment options and money-saving resources, visit AmerenIllinois.com/PathToSavings.
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LIHEAP applications open October 1
MCS Community Services, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in Morgan, Cass, and Scott counties, is pleased to announce that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.
The program will begin taking applications on October 1, 2025 for older adults (60 years +), individuals with a disability, families with children aged five years and under, and households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income eligible households can start applying November 1, 2025.
Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed.
The program has expanded eligibility this year. Households must be at or below 60% of the state median income to receive a benefit from LIHEAP. The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on State Median Income, Federal Poverty Guidelines, and the number of persons living in the household. The income guidelines are as follows: 1-$3,332, 2- $4,357, 3- $5,382, 4- $6,407. Larger households should call the MCS office for current guidelines or go to liheapillinois.com to know income limits for households with 5 members and more.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service. Propane customers who are part of the priority group are encouraged to apply when the program opens in October. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so by applying early propane customers will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.
SERVING MORGAN, CASS, and SCOTT COUNTIES
Applications will be taken at locations in Jacksonville, Beardstown, Virginia, and Winchester, by appointment only. Applications can also be taken over-the-phone, by appointment only, for home-bound applicants, with documentation to be sent into MCS Community Services by using the office drop box, emailing, faxing, or regular mail delivery. Details will be given out during the initial phone call.
To submit an application, you MUST submit ALL documentation required:
- Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
- For all customers to LIHEAP, and/or for new household members of previous customers, proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without a SSN or ITIN can still apply and MCS Community Services will advise accordingly.
- A copy of current gas, electric, and/or propane bills issued within the last 30 days
- All household members over the age of 18 claiming zero income are required to provide proof of how they are surviving, such as: proof of job search, denial or appeal of disability claim, denial of unemployment, written proof of help from family/friends, application for or receipt of DHS services (SNAP, TANF, AABD, medical card, etc.) proof of enrollment in school, etc.
- Cash assistance may be available for renters who can provide a copy of their lease/rental agreement showing their heating costs are included in the rent, the monthly rental amount, and the landlord contact.
- Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.
Additionally, a homeowner whose existing heating system is not operational or has been red-tagged as hazardous may apply for Furnace Assistance during their priority group period. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, as funding permits.
Beginning October 1, 2025 income eligible LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois will be recertified to receive a monthly discount on their natural gas bill through the new Low Income Discount Rates. Visit liheapillinois.com to know more details.
Please call MCS Community Services at 217-243-9404 or 1-888-288-4413, beginning October 1, 2025, for outreach locations and schedules, and for information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit your application.
