SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WJPF) – With home utility bills doubling for some residents, the State of Illinois is putting an additional $300 million into the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Families who earn up to two-times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP.

In southern Illinois, eligible residents can contact the Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council in Steeleville or Crosswalk Community Action in West Frankfort. Residents can also apply for assistance online.

LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. Last year’s recipients received an average of about $1,300 per household.