LIHEAP

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now available to residents of Jackson, Monroe, Perry and Randolph Counties. Eligibility is based on income guidelines. You do not need to be behind on your current energy bill. To apply, you may call your local outreach office to be placed on the call back list, or you may pick up an application from the outdoor literature boxes at any outreach office, or you may print the application from this website.

Internet Assistance

INTERNET ASSISTANCE: The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a FCC program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you can receive: • Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50) TO APPLY, GO TO: https://www.getemergencybroadband.org/

Covid-19

In response to Governor Pritzker’s directives and guidance from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Western Egyptian is not currently accepting face-to-face interactions with customers. Applications are still being accepted and may be submitted via fax, email, mail or at one of our three drop boxes. Our staff will continue to be in the office Monday – Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm to answer phones, process applications and provide services.

Employment Barrier Reduction Program (BRP)

The Employment Barrier Reduction Pilot program (BRP) is now being offered through Western Egyptian for residents of Monroe, Perry and Randolph counties who currently receive SNAP, TANF or Medicaid benefits. The services through this program are designed to reduce barriers to gaining or maintaining employment and applicants must either be currently working or actively seeking work. Supportive services through BRP include expenses for training, education, tools/equipment, uniforms, transportation related services, rent, utilities and other allowable services. To begin an application or obtain additional information, please contact your local outreach office: Monroe County #618-939-8715; Perry County #618-542-4656; or Randolph County #618-443-5231.

LIHWAP

Western Egyptian has received funding for the Low Income Home Water Assistance Program also known as LIHWAP. This program will be available to income eligible customers in Jackson, Monroe, Perry and Randolph Counties beginning January 1, 2022. LIHWAP requires that the customer either (1) have their water currently shut off due to non-payment; (2) have received a notice of shut off; or (3) owe more than $250 in arrears. To be eligible for assistance, a customer must first complete a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application and be approved. On that application, the customer should mark both energy & water assistance is needed and submit a copy of their water bill with their application. For energy assistance, a customer does not need to be late on their payments. If the customer already has an approved LIHEAP application for this program year (after September 1, 2021), they need only submit a copy of their water bill.

Furnace Assistance

Did you know that a LIHEAP companion program may be able to repair or replace a non-working furnace for a low income home owner? Contact our office for more information.