Help with heating bills for low-income households

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help low-income Missourians pay their heating bills this fall and winter.

LIHEAP offers help paying heating bills through March. Payment amounts can range from $45 to $450, and are based on the household size, income and type of fuel used for home heating.

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 ($27,120 annually for a family of three), and have $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts or investments. 

In fiscal year 2015, almost 143,000 Missouri households received LIHEAP assistance.

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 terminated 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 which may be up to $800 for the winter program.

Applications are now being accepted. Missourians interested in applying for LIHEAP can download the LIHEAP application with instructions and information on their nearest agency location http://dss.mo.gov/fsd/liheap.htm or visit www.DSS.mo.gov for more information.