Family Support Division

Missouri Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Missouri Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has two components: Energy Assistance (EA) and Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). EA is designed to help pay heating bills for those Missourians in need of assistance during the months of October, November, December, January, February and March. Applications for this year’s program will be accepted in Community Action Agency offices throughout Missouri. Households whom have an applicant or spouse who is 60 years of age or older and/or disabled may begin submitting their applications from October 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010, unless all funds have been obligated prior to that date. All other households, walk-ins and crisis cases may begin submitting their applications starting November 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010, unless all funds have been obligated prior to that date.

Requirements for application:

Eligibility for benefits under this program is limited to households who:

  1. Are responsible for paying home heating costs; and
  2. Are U.S. citizens, or aliens legally admitted for permanent residence; and
  3. Do not have available resources in excess of $3,000; and
  4. Applicants must also meet specific income guidelines that vary according to household size. The following table shows examples of some of these income guidelines.
Maximum Monthly Income Limits
Household Size Income Limits
1 $1,218
2 $1,639
3 $2,060
4 $2,481
5 $2,901
6 $3,322
7 $3,743
8 $4,164

Benefits:

The amount of benefits under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program vary according to income, household size, and the type of fuel used for home heating. Additional information about specific benefit amounts can be obtained by contacting your local Community Action Agency.

If you or your spouse are determined eligible, and either of you received an overpayment on a previous EA application, the full amount currently owed will be deducted from any benefit you may be eligible to receive during the current program year.

LIHEAP is NOT limited only to home owners. Persons whose home-heating costs are included in their monthly rental charges may, if they are not residents of public subsidized housing projects, also be eligible to receive benefits based on a percentage of their annual rental costs. Persons living in subsidized housing may be eligible if they are paying any out-of-pocket expenses for their heating costs.

Something to remember...

If you think you are eligible for LIHEAP and you wish to apply for assistance, you MUST attach the following to your application:

  1. Include a copy of your last fuel bill for the main fuel you use to heat your home. The supplier’s name and your account number are necessary for processing efficiently.
    • IF YOU HAVE A DISCONNECT NOTICE INCLUDE IT
    • If your disconnect notice is for another fuel you use for backup of your main heat source, (space heaters, electricity to make your heater work, etc.) contact the Community Action Agency that serves the county you reside. You may be able to get assistance with it as well, and avoid being shut off.
  2. Provide copies of social security cards or other verification of social security numbers. If you applied for assistance last year, or if you are receiving assistance from theFamily Support Division, you will not need to provide this information.
  3. Provide proof of last month’s income for every person living in your home, (wage stubs, grant letters or assistance award letters, Social Security award letters, etc.).
    • If you are receiving Food Stamps, you will not need to provide this information. If someone listed in the household in NOT on your Food Stamp case, then you will need to send proof of income.
    • If you receive child support please provide your case number to allow the agency to get the information on that income.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is designed to help you. If you have any questions concerning your eligibility or if you wish to apply, please contact the Community Action Agency nearest you.

An application and instructions can be downloaded, filled out and mailed to the Community Action Agency serving the county you reside in.