FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2019
Department of Social Services announces new Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Provider for Greater Kansas City area
Jefferson City, MO—Starting today, Mid America Assistance Coalition (MAAC) will administer the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Missourians living in Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties. “We are very pleased to announce Mid America Assistance Coalition as the new LIHEAP provider for the greater Kansas City area,” said Patrick Luebbering, Director, Family Support Division. “We are confident MAAC will provide outstanding service to clients and will efficiently process applications to ensure eligible Missourians get timely benefits to help keep them safe in their home.”
LIHEAP offers Energy Assistance (EA) to help pay heating bills from November through March. The one-time payment, ranging from $47 to $495, is generally made directly to the utility company and is based on the household size, income, and type of fuel used for home heating.
If an individual qualifies for Energy Assistance, they may also qualify for additional help through the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). ECIP makes payments to energy providers for households who have their energy service disconnected or received a threat of disconnection, or who are running short of purchased fuel (propane). The amount is based on the amount to restore or continue services for 30 days. For the winter program, which runs November through May, the amount may be up to $800. Eligible households facing a cooling crisis during summer months of June through September may be eligible for up to $300. In fiscal year 2018, 123,733 Missouri households received LIHEAP assistance.
An individual may be eligible for the program if they are a U.S. citizen or legally admitted for permanent residence, responsible for paying home heating costs, have an income at or below 135 percent of the poverty level, and have $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts, or investments.
Missourians interested in applying for LIHEAP can download the LIHEAP application with instructions and find their nearest agency location online or visit dss.mo.gov for more information. Mail applications from Clay, Jackson and Platte counties to Mid America Assistance Coalition, 4001 Blue Parkway, Suite 270, Kansas City, MO 64130 or fax them to 816-768-8901 or call 816-768-8900.
The mission of the Department of Social Services is to lead the nation in building the capacity of individuals, families and communities to secure and sustain healthy, safe, and productive lives. Visit dss.mo.gov to learn more about the Department of Social Services and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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