Wabash Area Development Inc. (WADI) will be taking applications for the Energy Assistance Program for the Southeastern Illinois counties of Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, and White starting July 27, 2020.
Any household may apply starting July 27, 2020 given there are no priority periods this year. Households in need of energy assistance, especially those with disconnection notices, high past due balances and the general population that has been most likely affected by wage fluctuations due to COVID-19 are encouraged to apply. In addition, propane customers are strongly encouraged to apply in August when prices are at its lowest. Reconnection Assistance is also available. You must be disconnected or have a disconnect notice to qualify for this component. Customers using propane – tanks at 25% or less are considered emergencies.
Energy Assistance applications are taken on a first-come, first serve basis. Applications will be taken through June 30, 2021, or until funding is exhausted.
The 30-day income guidelines have increased and are now based on 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. A single-person household can qualify with a monthly income for up to $2,127, a two person household up to $2,873, a three-person household up to $3,620, and a family of four up to $4,367. Benefits are paid directly to utilities or energy vendors on behalf of eligible households. The exception is households whose heating costs are included in their rent.
The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) program is a bill payment program that assists eligible customers by paying a monthly state benefit while the customer pays a percentage of their household income. Eligible households must be a customer of Ameren Illinois. PIPP applicants will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis starting July 27, 2020 and the program will be offered until WADI has reached the maximum capacity of households for the program. The 30-day income guidelines for PIPP are based on 150% of the Federal Poverty Level and the number of persons living in the household. The guidelines are as follows: 1-$1,595, 2-$2,155, 3-$2,715, 4-$3,275 (add $560 for each additional household member).
Due to social distancing guidelines, the application process has changed. Applicants are encouraged to call a county office to complete an application over the telephone.
You will need to submit the following documents after your phone application to your local WADI office:
v Proof of gross income for everyone in the household for the 30 day period beginning with the application date
v A copy of your current heat and electric bills that are in your name issued within the last 30 days (if energy is paid for)
v Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members
v If receiving assistance from Illinois Department of Human Services, bring proof your household received cash assistance or other benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, etc.)
How to submit documentation after your phone application:
v You may e-mail documents to your local County Manager
v You may drop off documents to your local WADI office in the drop box
v You may mail your documents by regular mail to your local WADI office
Due to COVID-19, our offices are still CLOSED to the public. We are still providing services. Please contact your local WADI Office for additional information:
Edwards County- 1-618-445-2379 Wabash County- 1-618-262-4151
Hamilton County- 1-618-643-2161 Wayne County- 1-618-842-2962
Saline/Gallatin County- 1-618-252-2680 White County- 1-618-384-5541