Economic Hardship Recovery Program

This is the State of Illinois energy assistance program available through the local community action agencies. Click the link below to find the phone number to call the agency serving your area. Documentation they require to complete the application usually includes, but is not limited to proof of income, energy bills, and social security numbers for all household members. This is a State of Illinois energy assistance program. Eligibility is based on household size and past 30 days household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. 

Get Started at HelpIllinoisFamilies.com

Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF) is an energy assistance program designed to help moderate income seniors and families who have temporarily experienced a hardship but may not meet the guidelines of government programs. Eligibility is based on household size and past 30 days household income between 200% - 350% the federal poverty level. 
 

WNCF works with a statewide network of social service agencies, church groups and community organizations to determine applicant eligibility at the local level. Documentation they require to complete the application usually includes, but is not limited to proof of income and a copy of your most recent energy bill. Below is a list of these agencies, organized by county.
 

Contact the agency serving your area to apply for assistance. 

Applications for Ameren Illinois Non-Residential Hardship Program for small businesses and non-profits will be accepted October 1st. 

Apply Now (PDF)

The State of Illinois' Back to Business (B2B) grant program aims to deploy small businesses recovery grants for those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants will range from $5,000 to $150,000 per business and can be used to cover a wide range of operations/staff/overhead costs.

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