LiHEAP Missouri

LIHEAP in Missouri

More than 130,000 households in Missouri received funding from Missouri LIHEAP in 2011. Funds are distributed based on need, so applicants must prove they are low-income and fall within the income guidelines established for the state. LIHEAP pays money to the utility company responsible for heating or cooling, depending on the application. Utility companies working with LIHEAP include:

• AmerenUE
• Atmos Energy
• Boone County
• City Utilities
• Co-Mo Electric Coop
• Crawford Electric Coop
• Cuivre River Electric Coop
• Empire District Electric
• Independence Power and Light
• Intercounty Electric Coop
• Jackson County
• Kansas Power and Light
• Laclede Electric Coop
• Laclede Gas Company
• Missouri Public Service
• Missouri Gas Energy
• North Central Missouri Electric Coop
• Osage Valley Electric Coop
• St. Louis
• White River Valley Electric Coop

Missouri LIHEAP Assistance

The state of Missouri received more than $50 million to distribute to needy families during the 2012 LIHEAP season. During 2011, LIHEAP benefited more than 130,000 households in Missouri. The minimum benefit allowed by Missouri LIHEAP is $30 with a maximum benefit of $330.

Residents must apply for LIHEAP between November 1 and March 31 to receive heating benefits and June 1 and September 30 for cooling benefits. Seniors and disabled residents may submit heating applications starting October 1. Crisis applications are accepted year-round, but LIHEAP funds are limited.

LIHEAP Application & How to Apply

Contact the Missouri Department of Social Services for more information on LIHEAP qualification and application at 1-573-751-6789. You can also local the local community action agency to submit your application. Applicants are responsible for bringing all verification documentation when the application is submitted. Required documents include proof of income, proof of current heating bills, cooling bills or a letter of impending disconnection for crisis applications. General applications can take more than one month to process and the benefits provided by LIHEAP will not pay your heating and cooling bills for the entire season.

LIHEAP benefits are limited to $330 maximum. If your heating or cooling costs are more than $330, there could be other programs available from your utility company. Contact your utility company to learn more about income-based programs to ease the cost of heating and cooling your home.

LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?

Households may qualify for LIHEAP if they meet the current income guidelines. Income guidelines for Missouri LIHEAP are set at 135% of the federal poverty level. You must provide income verification when applying for the program.

Families with more than eight members can add $5,157 to the total allowable earnings for each additional family member.