Assistance

Both Peoples Energy and Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) offer payment plans to help off-set the high costs of heating in the winter months for residential accounts. Link to these organizations, or call Peoples Energy (866) 556-6001 or ComEd at (877)426-6331.

Residents needing heating assistance are urged to call the City's 311 non-emergency number. The City offers the following programs to residents in need of heat during the winter months:

• Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP): Provides "forgivable loans" to low-income homeowners to repair roofs, porches and heating units in serious disrepair. Owners of multi-housing buildings with up to four units in Chicago must live on the property and have no other means to pay for repairs. During the winter months, improvements are limited to the repair and replacement of heating units.
  

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): A federal program designed to help eligible low-income households pay for winter energy services. Provides a one-time benefit to eligible households to be used for energy bills. The amount of payment is determined by income, household size, fuel type and geographic location. To find out if you are eligible for the program, call 800-252-8643.
  

• City of Chicago Heat Receiver Program: Allows Chicago tenants who lack heat and hot water to get these services restored during winter months. In cases where buildings are without functional heat and hot water, the City can initiate the process to have necessary repairs made to restore these services to tenants. Call 311 for more information.

• CEDA: The City offers assistance to pay electrical bills through the Cook County Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA). To participate, you must meet eligibility requirements based on income and family size. Call 312-795-8844 for information.

If you are having problems staying warm this winter, contact one of the City’s Family Assistance Centers to see if you qualify for any assistance programs. If you are living in a legally zoned artist live/work space (as defined by the Zoning Ordinance, this may be a storefront or other commercial property), you might be eligible to participate in these programs, especially if your electric and natural gas service are residential accounts.

TIP: Contact City Services by phoning 311 if you are having problems paying your heating bills.