Warm Neighbors
Cool Friends (WNCF)
Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF) is a matching program for Ameren Illinois customers funded by the Energy Assistance Foundation. Customer's eligible for WNCF can receive a one-time matching payment directly to their utility bill based on payments made to their account within the past 45 days, with maximum assistance thresholds.
WNCF for the 2025 - 2026 Program Year
Applications will be taken from October 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026, or until funding is exhausted for the WNCF Heating Season.
​
WNCF often runs a cooling program. Please check back in the Spring of 2026, to see if cooling funding will be available for the Summer of 2026.
​
​
Am I Eligible?
WNCF is designed to help customers during the winter when utility bills are much higher than normal because of the expense to heat their home. Customer's that are eligible for WNCF can receive a one-time matching payment of up to $500. The amount paid matches the customer's payments to their account over the past 45-days. Customers must meet the following criteria for WNCF:
-
Active Ameren Illinois account
-
Customer must reside at that residence
-
Customer cannot owe more than $1,500
-
Customer cannot have qualified for LIHEAP since October 1, 2025
​
The 30-day gross income parameters are as follows:
Family Size | 30 Day Income |
|---|---|
1 | $3,333 - $4,713 |
2 | $4,358 - $5,383 |
3 | $5,383 - $6,663 |
4 | $6,408 - $8,037 |
5 | $7,433 - $9,414 |
6 | $8,458 - $10,788 |
7 | $8,650 - $12,162 |
8 | $8,843 - $13,539 |
What Do I Need?
Schedule your appointment online by clicking here, or give us a call to book directly. For the appointment, you will need to bring:
-
Driver's License or State ID
-
Social Security Cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for ALL persons living in your home (Missing a card? Learn how to apply for a new social security card here.)​
-
Individuals without an assigned SSN or ITIN can still apply and we will advise accordingly.​
-
-
Most recent Ameren Illinois bill
-
Proof of any and all income for the past 30 days (SSA, SSI, wages, unemployment, pension, alimony, TANF/AABD, etc.)
-
Those receiving benefits through DHS, please have your DHS Benefits Determination Letter readily available to provide if requested.
-
​
Other documentation may be requested at the time of the application and 15 days will be allotted to return the information to complete the application.
​​​
Please Note
If you receive a disconnection notice, please contact us immediately to see if you are eligible for services.
Schedule Your Appointment Now
Customers can apply at any office. Customers can apply in-person, over-the-phone, or by walk-in. Hours for walk-ins and the amount of customers served in a day are limited. Please call the office you plan to walk into for more information.
To schedule an appointment, please call one of our offices or simply click which office you would like to schedule with to be taken to the appointment scheduler.