People who need financial help for their heating and electric bills can receive it from DeKalb County.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded state program that helps with utility bills and has been doing so in DeKalb for the last 25 years.

Nancy Kane-Richards, assistant director of LIHEAP in DeKalb County, said that to be eligible for these benefits, a few requirements must be met.

“Eligibility is based on a person’s income and how many people that live in each household,” Kane-Richards said.

She also said each person needs to have proof of their gross income from the last 30 days.

This is a benefit that can only be received once a year and requires an application.

“Each year, applications can be filled out starting in September up until May or possibly late April,” she said.

Kane-Richards said people should apply right away to take advantage of this benefit.

“Utility bills are going up, causing a higher demand of people getting help from Energy Assistance,” she said.

Energy Assistance also provides help to those who have been disconnected from their utilities. According to liheap.ncat.org, Illinois received $65 million of energy assistance in 2006 for state system benefit funds. Anyone wishing to apply can make an appointment by calling 815-758-3835.