JEFFERSON CITY—Senator Paul LeVota, D-Independence, announces the Missouri Department of Social Services is now accepting applications for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in efforts to aid Missourians who struggle to afford their basic heating bills.
“During the upcoming winter months, cold weather can make it exceptionally difficult for some Missourians to afford their basic heating bills,” said Sen. LeVota. “With the help of LIHEAP, more low-income Missourians will have less of a burden with energy costs. LIHEAP will help ensure the health and safety of many citizens throughout the winter.”
It is well-known that Missouri winters tend to be unpredictable and harsh. LIHEAP offers assistance with heating bills, for the months of October through March, ranging from $45 to $450 based on the size of the household, income, and type of fuel used to heat the house.
More than 146,000 Missouri households received energy assistance through LIHEAP in 2014. A draft of the 2015 LIHEAP Detailed Model State Plan indicated the available funds for assistance will be allocated as such: 45 percent for heating assistance, 25 percent for crisis assistance, 10 percent for weatherization assistance, 10 percent for carryover to the following Federal fiscal year, and 10 percent administrative and planning costs.
Eligibility qualifications for the program consist of a U.S. citizenship or have been legally admitted for permanent residency, a maximum of $3,000 in the accounts or investments and income below 135 percent of the poverty level, $26,716 gross income for a family of three.
The Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program consists of two varying components, Energy Assistance/Regular Heating (EA) and Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECIP). The Energy Assistance is intended to aid households with energy costs. The Energy Crisis Assistance Program is designated to provide financial assistance in the events of possible termination or disconnect of services, customer is a cash on delivery customer, propane tank is less than 20 percent of capacity, and pre-paid funds are about to run out. If an individual qualifies for EA, they may also qualify for additional assistance through ECIP. Amounts for crisis assistance can range up to $800 during the winter months.
The LIHEAP application, with instructions and information on their nearest agency location, can be downloaded at the following links for all Missourians interested in applying for LIHEAP: http://www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/eassist/pdf/hcapp.pdf or visit www.DSS.mo.gov for more information.
For more information, please contact Senator LeVota’s Capitol office at (573) 751-3074. |
