Missouri Energy Assistance Opens for Eligible Households
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JOPLIN, Mo. --As temperatures begin to drop across Missouri, some households may be able to get help paying their home energy bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
Applications are currently being accepted for elderly and disabled households. Applications for other eligible households will open Nov. 1.
LIHEAP provides financial assistance to eligible Missouri residents who are struggling with heating and cooling costs.
The program offers two types of assistance.
Energy Assistance provides a one-time payment for one fuel type to help with heating or cooling costs from October through May.
The program also offers the Energy Crisis Intervention Program, or ECIP, for households facing an immediate energy crisis.
Assistance may be available for people who have received a termination or disconnect notice with a specific disconnect date, have a final bill stating their account has been terminated, or are running low on fuel such as propane, fuel oil, wood, corn pellets or kerosene.
ECIP may also help customers who use cash-on-delivery or prepaid electricity when their available energy is about to run out.
The amount of assistance depends on the household's energy bill and available funding. Winter ECIP is available from November through May, with a maximum benefit of $800. Summer ECIP is available from June through September, with a maximum benefit of $300.
Contracted agencies may also be able to provide emergency services, including blankets, emergency lodging, heating or cooling system replacement or repair, window air conditioners and wood stoves.
To qualify, applicants must be responsible for paying the utilities for their home, including renters, and must be Missouri residents. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens or have been legally admitted for permanent residence.
Households must have $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts or investments and must meet the program's income guidelines based on household size.
Residents who are unsure whether they qualify can contact the contracted agency serving their area for more information about eligibility requirements.
Applications are available through the program, and applicants must have Adobe Reader on their computer or device to open the application. Those who need a paper application can contact their contracted agency or call 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636) to have one mailed to them.
With colder temperatures approaching, officials encourage eligible residents to learn about their options before an energy emergency occurs
