Changes to LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

Eligibility for LIHEAP

Must meet all of these:
 
1.    You are responsible for paying the utilities for your home (including if you rent) 

2.    All members of your household are United States’ citizens (or have been legally admitted for permanent residence) 

3.    Your household has $3,000 or less in your bank accounts, retirement accounts, or investments 

4.    Your household is at or below the maximum income amount below:

Household Size and Maximum Monthly Income
1    $2,211
2    $2,891
3    $3,571
4    $4,252
5    $4,932
6    $5,612

For household sizes over 6, add $128 to the maximum monthly income for each household member.

LIHEAP includes Energy Assistance (EA) and Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)

Households who apply for EA and need additional assistance can contact the Contracted Agency for help through ECIP. 

Family size and monthly income requirements for assistance

Energy Assistance (EA) 

  • Your household can receive a one-time payment per year for one fuel type from October – September. 
  • Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) will only make one payment for one fuel type (as shown below) for applications received from October 1 – September 30 of each year. 

Fuel Type and Benefit Amount 
1. Natural Gas - $652 
2. Tank Propane - $990 
3. Electric - $636 
4. Fuel Oil - $652
5. Wood - $438 
6. Kerosene - $306 
7. Cylinder Propane - $354 

If you already sent an application for EA starting on October 1, 2021 and received less than the amount above for your fuel type, DSS will make the rest of the payment by early January 2022. 

Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) 

  • Pays or provides services (i.e. blankets, emergency lodging, heating or cooling unit repairs, etc.) up to the amount needed for an emergency. 

 

  • You can receive help through ECIP even if you do not have a disconnect notice. 

 

  • Winter ECIP is available from November through May based on funding. Benefit amounts are increased up to $1,600 based on the amount in the bill. 

 

  • Summer ECIP is available June through September based on funding. Benefit amounts are increased up to $1,200 based on the amount in the bill. 

 

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