URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Funding is still available for Champaign County households in need of help with their utility bills.

The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission said applications are still being taken for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program provides one-time benefits to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help pay their bills or reconnect their services.

“Power bill relief and a properly working furnace can lessen the burden on an individual or family in many ways,” LIHEAP Program Manager Dawn Rear said in a news release. “LIHEAP can help lessen your power bill by hundreds of dollars, making it more manageable so you can avoid a potential shutoff. We encourage all income-eligible Champaign County households who have not yet applied for LIHEAP, or those with a disconnection notice, to schedule an appointment with us soon and find the help they need.”

Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive assistance. Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis through Aug. 15 or until funding is exhausted.

To submit an application, people must submit all of the following documentation:

• Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
• For all customers new 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 an SSN or ITIN can still apply and the RPC will advise accordingly.
• A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
• A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount, and landlord contact.

For more information and to schedule an application appointment, click here or call 217-384-1226.