Checked October 13, 2026
Help paying bills in Illinois
Behind on your electric, gas or rent in Illinois? Here are the real programs, who to call, and what to do first. All free.
Do these 3 things first
- Call your gas or electric company today. Ask for a deferred payment agreement (the down payment can't be more than 10% in winter).
- Apply for LIHEAP. Seniors 60+, people with disabilities, families with kids 5 and under, and anyone with a shutoff notice can apply now. Everyone else can apply starting November 1, 2026. Start at the state's how to apply page or call 1-833-711-0374.
- Dial 2-1-1 for local rent, food and bill help.
Help with electric and gas bills
LIHEAP (Help Illinois Families)
A one-time payment sent straight to your gas, electric or propane company. There is also crisis help if your service is off or about to be shut off, and furnace help while money lasts. 2026–27 limit: $3,990 a month for 1 person, $8,250 for 4 (gross income for the last 30 days). Open October 1, 2026 for priority groups and November 1 for everyone else, through August 13, 2027 or until the money runs out. Help line in 30 languages: 1-833-711-0374.
ComEd low-income discount
Since January 1, 2026, ComEd customers who qualify for LIHEAP get a monthly discount on their electric bill. Ask ComEd or your LIHEAP agency.
Got a shutoff notice?
Illinois has a winter rule from December 1 to March 31. Gas and electric heat can't be shut off on days the forecast is 32°F or colder, or before a weekend or holiday when it's expected to freeze. In winter, your utility must offer a deferred payment agreement (no more than 10% down) before shutting you off. LIHEAP and PIPP customers, homes heated by electricity, and military members and veterans can't be shut off for falling behind during the winter period. Already shut off? Ask if you can be reconnected for less than the full amount.
If your utility won't help: Illinois Commerce Commission, Consumer Services · 1-800-524-0795
Behind on rent
If an eviction case has been filed against you, ask about the state's Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (up to $10,000 in back rent). Call to check that it is open: 1-866-454-3571. Free eviction legal help: Eviction Help Illinois, 1-855-631-0811. For anything else, dial 2-1-1.
Food, health care and phone
SNAP (food), Medicaid (health) and cash help
Apply for all of them in one place through the state's ABE site.
Lifeline (phone or internet discount)
A federal discount on one phone or internet plan if you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI or meet income rules.
Lower the bills you pay every month
A 60-second check of your phone, car insurance, bank fees and credit. Free options first.
Make a plan for the next few months
Once the emergency is handled, see where your money goes and which bills to pay from each paycheck. The Budget Starter is free. The Debt Freedom Planner adds your debt-free date and a spending tracker.
Dealing with it right now? The Hard Month Kit ($9) has printable call scripts, a hardship letter and a bill priority worksheet.
We sell the planner. It never changes the advice on this page. How we make money.
Watch out for scams
Real help programs never charge a fee to apply. Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto, and never give your login or PIN to anyone who calls you. Report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
- Governor's office: LIHEAP 2026–27 (Sept. 24, 2026)
- DCEO: How to apply
- ICC winter rule (Lansing Journal)
- IHDA Court-Based Rental Assistance
Program details change. Confirm with the program before you rely on a date or amount.
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