ComEd Payment Plans and Assistance Programs in Illinois (2026)
If you are a ComEd customer in Illinois with a past-due balance, you have more options than the company's first representative might tell you. ComEd is required by Illinois law to offer payment arrangements, and several state and federal assistance programs can reduce or eliminate what you owe.
This guide covers every payment plan and assistance program available to ComEd customers in 2026, including the new Low-Income Discount program launched in January.
Deferred Payment Arrangement (DPA)
The DPA is ComEd's standard payment plan for past-due balances. Here is how it works:
- Eligibility: Any residential customer with a past-due balance who has not defaulted on a DPA in the past 12 months
- Down payment: Typically 25 percent of the past-due amount
- Repayment period: Up to 12 months for the remaining balance
- How to enroll: Visit ComEd.com/DPA or call 800-334-7661
You must continue paying current bills on time while on a DPA. If you miss payments, ComEd can terminate the arrangement and proceed with disconnection after proper notice.
Extended DPA for income-eligible customers
If your household income qualifies, you may be eligible for an extended arrangement:
- Down payment: None required
- Repayment period: Up to 24 months
- Eligibility: Based on household income relative to federal poverty guidelines
Amended DPA after default
If you default on a DPA but have made at least two consecutive full payments and have been in default for fewer than 90 days, ComEd must offer you an amended arrangement. This is an important protection that many customers do not know about.
Winter payment protections
Illinois law provides significant protections during the heating season:
- No disconnections: ComEd cannot disconnect residential heating customers from December 1 through March 31
- Reduced down payment: Winter DPA down payments are capped at 10 percent of the past-due balance (instead of the usual 25 percent)
- Extended terms: You have at least 4 months to pay what you owe under a winter arrangement
These protections apply automatically. You do not need to apply or qualify based on income.
Low-Income Discount (LID) Program — New for 2026
ComEd launched the Low-Income Discount program on January 1, 2026. This is a percentage-based discount on your monthly electric bill, not a one-time payment:
- What it does: Reduces your monthly ComEd bill by a percentage based on your income level
- Who qualifies: Income-eligible ComEd residential customers
- Cost to enroll: Free
- How to apply: Contact ComEd or visit their website for eligibility details
This program stacks with other assistance, meaning you can receive the LID discount and also use LIHEAP or a DPA if needed.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
LIHEAP is a federally funded program available to income-eligible households across Illinois:
- What it covers: Heating and cooling costs, including ComEd electric bills
- How much: Grant amounts vary based on income, household size, and energy costs
- Disconnection protection: ComEd customers who apply for LIHEAP receive 30 days of protection from disconnection while the application is processed
- Additional protection: Customers receiving LIHEAP energy bill assistance get an additional 45 days of disconnection protection
To apply, contact your local Community Action Agency. You can find yours through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan)
Illinois offers a Percentage of Income Payment Plan for qualifying low-income customers:
- How it works: Your monthly utility payment is set as a percentage of your household income, rather than based on actual usage
- Benefit: Prevents bills from exceeding what you can reasonably afford
- Eligibility: Based on household income and enrollment in qualifying assistance programs
Medical certificate protection
If someone in your household has a medical condition that requires electric-powered equipment, a medical certificate can prevent disconnection:
- Duration: 30 to 60 days of protection from disconnection
- How to get one: Your doctor provides a certificate to ComEd confirming the medical need
- Triggers payment plan: A medical certificate also triggers eligibility for a medical payment arrangement with extended terms
- Renewable: Can be renewed if the medical condition persists
Budget billing
ComEd offers budget billing to smooth out seasonal spikes:
- How it works: Your annual energy costs are averaged and spread evenly across 12 monthly payments
- Benefit: No surprise high bills in summer (air conditioning) or winter (heating)
- Eligibility: Available to residential customers with at least 12 months of billing history
Budget billing does not reduce your total annual cost, but it makes monthly bills predictable and easier to manage.
Military assistance (CHAMP program)
ComEd offers help to military families through the CHAMP program:
- Who qualifies: Activated or honorably discharged members of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, Reserves, and veterans
- What it provides: Grants to help pay past-due energy bills
- How to apply: Contact ComEd directly or visit their military assistance page
What to do if ComEd refuses your payment plan request
If ComEd denies your request for a DPA or other arrangement, you have options:
- Ask for a supervisor and document the conversation (name, time, what was said)
- File a complaint with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) at 800-524-0795 or icc.illinois.gov
- Request emergency intervention if your power is already off or shutoff is imminent
- Contact a local legal aid organization for free assistance — Illinois Legal Aid Online (illinoislegalaid.org) can help
The ICC's intervention often results in better terms than what ComEd's customer service initially offered. The regulator's involvement elevates your case from a customer service matter to a regulatory one.
Quick reference: ComEd assistance at a glance
- Standard DPA: 25% down, up to 12 months — ComEd.com/DPA or 800-334-7661
- Extended DPA: No down payment, up to 24 months — income-eligible
- Winter DPA: 10% down, at least 4 months — December 1 through March 31
- LID Program: Monthly bill discount — new for 2026, income-eligible
- LIHEAP: Federal heating/cooling grant — contact local Community Action Agency
- Medical certificate: 30-60 day disconnection protection — get from your doctor
- Budget billing: Even monthly payments — call ComEd
- CHAMP: Military assistance grants — contact ComEd
- ICC complaint: 800-524-0795 — free, typically resolved in 1 to 14 days
Bottom line
ComEd offers more payment flexibility than most customers realize, and Illinois law adds protections that the company is required to honor. Start with the option that matches your situation, stack multiple programs if you qualify, and file an ICC complaint if ComEd is not cooperating. The rules are on your side.
