Com Ed Programs Help with Electric Bills |
Residential Hardship
Are you past-due on your electric bill and have a financial hardship due to job loss, illness, military deployment, disability, or as a senior citizen? If so, you may be eligible for assistance through ComEd’s Residential Special Hardship program. Income-eligible, residential customers can apply once every two years for grants of up to $500* based on need and availability of program funds.
*Grant amounts may vary while funds are available.
ComEd ComEd CARE – Residential Special Hardship Audio Transcript
Qualifications
This grant is available to residential customers with household incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level ($62,750 for a family of four) who demonstrate a hardship – job loss, documented illness, military deployment, senior or disability hardships, among others.
This option may be available to ComEd customers who receive traditional LIHEAP benefits.
2018 Income Eligibility Guidelines
| Household/ Family Size |
150% 30 Day Income | 150% Annual Income | 250% 30 Day Income | 250% Annual Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,518.00 | 18,210 | 2,529.00 | 30,350 |
| 2 | 2,058.00 | 24,690 | 3,429.00 | 41,150 |
| 3 | 2,598.00 | 31,170 | 4,329.00 | 51,950 |
| 4 | 3,138.00 | 37,650 | 5,229.00 | 62,750 |
| 5 | 3,678.00 | 44,130 | 6,129.00 | 73,550 |
| 6 | 4,218.00 | 50,610 | 7,029.00 | 84,350 |
| 7 | 4,758.00 | 57,090 | 7,929.00 | 95,150 |
| 8 | 5,298.00 | 63,570 | 8,829.00 | 105,950 |
| 9 | 5,838.00 | 70,050 | 9,729.00 | 116,750 |
| 10 | 6,378.00 | 76,530 | 10,629.00 | 127,550 |
| 11 | 6,918.00 | 83,010 | 11,529.00 | 138,350 |
| 12 | 7,458.00 | 89,490 | 12,429.00 | 149,150 |
| 13 | 7,998.00 | 95,970 | 13,329.00 | 159,950 |
| 14 | 8,538.00 | 102,450 | 14,229.00 | 170,750 |
For More Information
Utility bill assistance may be available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Contact the Community Action Agency nearest to you for more information. Find a list of locations.
CHAMP – Proud of Our Military, Proud to Help
Since January 2002, ComEd has assisted activated and deployed members of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, Reserves and honorably discharged veterans with paying their electric bills. CHAMP is a financial-assistance program that offers an optional package of benefits to qualified military personnel who reside within ComEd’s service territory and have fallen behind on their electric bill.
Available Benefits
- Bill payment assistance up to $1,000 (once every two years; while funds are available)
- Deferred payment plans
- Extended due dates (preferred due dates)
- Cancellation of late charges
- Deposit reduction and/or refund
- Budget payment plan
Eligibility
ComEd is committed to engaging and supporting our communities by providing assistance to military personnel that are experiencing a hardship, and have fallen behind on their electric bill.
- Deployed members of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves
- Veterans who were honorably discharged
- Reside within ComEd’s northern Illinois service territory and demonstrate a hardship
How to Apply
Applicants are screened to determine their need and eligibility. Download one of the applications below to apply. Contact ComEd CARE at 888-806-CARE for more information.
| Activated Personnel | Honorably Discharged Personnel |
| 1) Attach form letter regarding Soldier’s and Sailor’s Civil Relief Act of 1940, 50 U.S.C. App., Sections 501-590 or your appropriate military branches form letter pertaining to activation.
2) Attach copy of Activation Orders or similar documents pertaining to the order to Active Duty. |
1) Attach copy of your discharge letter (must be honorably discharged with a minimum of two years of service). |
Send original application form and the above-mentioned documents to:
ComEd Helps Activated/Disabled Military Personnel (CHAMP)
Attention: Revenue Management – Energy Assistance
2100 Swift Drive
Oakbrook IL 60523-1559
- CHAMP Application (pdf)
- Sample Letter (pdf)
Non-profit Special Hardship
ComEd understands some organizations face hardships, making it difficult for them to pay their electric bills. That is why we are proud to lend a hand through the Nonprofit Special Hardship program, providing grants of up to $2,000, once every two years, to eligible non-profit organizations who have fallen behind on their electric bills and face possible disconnection of their electric service.
ComEd ComEd Care – Non Profit Special Hardship Audio Transcript
Program Eligibility and Qualifications
- The applicant must be a registered Not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation that does not discriminate based on religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.
- Must be able to demonstrate a significant financial hardship for the organization within the last year.
- Must complete the program application and supply all of the required information to demonstrate program eligibility.
Examples of Non-Profit 501 (c)(3) Corporations
- Centers for people with disabilities
- Senior centers
- Centers for homeless
- Cooling centers
- Supportive living facilities
- Adult day care services
- Churches
Apply Online
To be considered for a variable grant once every 2 years, please complete the online application form. Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted.
More Information
The Non-profit Special Hardship program is administered for ComEd by Elevate Energy. Elevate Energy is a nonprofit organization that helps people do more with less energy. Elevate Energy designs and implements efficiency programs that lower costs, protect the environment, and ensure the benefits of energy efficiency reach those who need them most.
Questions about an application already in progress should be directed to Elevate Energy atComEdNPHardship@ElevateEnergy.org or by calling 1-773-269-4037.
State & Local Resources
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to help eligible low-income households pay for winter energy services. LIHEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the state of Illinois.
Roof, Porch and Emergency Heating Repair Programs
Two programs are available to assist income-eligible homeowners with emergency home repairs.
Cook County CEDA Utility Assistance
The Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA) provides energy assistance to help eligible families pay electric bills. Residents can call 311 or (312) 795-8800 to find out if they qualify and how to apply.
Cook County CEDA Home Weatherization Program
The Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA) administers a home weatherization program that allows homeowners and qualified renters to help make their homes more energy efficient.
Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program
Weatherization services are provided to low-income residents by local community action agencies or not-for-profit agencies throughout the state.
Illinois Department on Aging
The Illinois Department on Aging serves and advocates for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering programs and promoting partnerships that encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life. For more information, call 1-800-252-8966 or 1-888-206-1327 (TTY).
Illinois Dept. of Human Services – General Assistance
The General Assistance program provides people who do not qualify for other cash programs administered by the Dept. of Human Services with money and limited medical care.
Illinois Dept. of Human Services – Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled
This program provides cash, medical assistance, and food stamps to eligible recipients.
Illinois Dept. of Human Services – Homeless Prevention Program
This program provides rental assistance, utility assistance, and supportive services directly related to the prevention of homelessness to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction, foreclosure, or homelessness.
Illinois Dept. of Human Services – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
This program provides temporary financial assistance to low-income pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical.