Chicagoans Urged to Apply for Gas Payment Assistance Funding

Deborah Bayliss | As of Wednesday, April 29, 2015

$495,000 in financial support is available through the City of Chicago's and Peoples Gas’ Share the Warmth program. Chicagoans are urged to apply as soon as possible.
$495,000 in financial support is available through the City of Chicago's and Peoples Gas’ Share the Warmth program. Chicagoans are urged to apply as soon as possible.

Chicagoans who are struggling to pay off heating bills from last winter are urged to apply for financial assistance through the City of Chicago's and People's Gas Share the Warmth program, where $495,000 is set aside to help residents pay their gas invoices, as State and federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds have run out.

Federal funds over the last five years, declined, as the need for financial support increased for Cook County residents. Earlier this week, the Community Economic Development Association (CEDA) announced LIHEAP funds were exhausted before the 2014-2015 winter heating season ended.   

“Share the Warmth has been essential in helping Chicagoans in need secure the warmth and comfort they deserve during the City’s cold winter months,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “I encourage anyone who has yet to apply for assistance through the program to do so as soon as possible.”

Share the Warmth provides heating grants to limited and fixed-income households. Eligible customers who make payment towards their bill receive a matching grant of up to $200. Grants can be used to reconnect service, avoid disconnection, and maintain a home’s natural gas service.  Only one grant is available per household, per year.  

In Oct. 2014, the City and Peoples Gas doubled the size of available Share the Warmth funding to $1 million to give Chicagoans extra help in anticipation of another colder-than-average winter. To date, there is still enough, Share the Warmth funding for at least 2,500 additional households to stay current on their heating bills.  

“Peoples Gas wants to be sure that each and every one of our customers can pay those bills and keep their heat on,” said Peoples Gas President, John Kleczynski. “I join Mayor Emanuel in encouraging Chicagoans who need help paying their bills to apply for Share the Warmth funds right away.”

To find the location of the nearest application site, Peoples Gas customers can call CEDA's hotline at: 1-800-571-CEDA (2332) or go to the Peoples Gas website at www.peoplesgasdelivery.com for a list of application sites and guidelines.

To apply, customers should bring:   Proof of gross income from all household members for the last 30 days and a Copy of their most recent utility bill.  

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