Parson Extends LIHEAP Through May 31

Gov. Mike Parson announced Friday that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program will extend one-time primary heating bill payments through May 31.

Eligibility for heating and cooling programs are expanded for Missouri households with incomes up to 135% of the Federal Poverty Level from up to 60% of the State Median Income.

A family of four with an annual income of $51,021 can receive benefits compared to an annual income of $35,364.

Parson said expanding the current assistance program will relieve families of financial strain.

“Missourians have spent a lot more time at home due to COVID-19, especially those learning and working remotely, which has caused some families to have higher than normal energy bills,” Parson said.

60 Percent of the SMI                     

To determine eligibility for households over six people, add an additional $128 per person per month or $1,536 per year. 

In addition to meeting the income criteria, households must also meet the following criteria to qualify for LIHEAP:

• Be responsible for paying home heating costs
• Have $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts, or investments
• All household members must be a U.S. citizen or legally admitted for permanent residence

In Federal Fiscal Year 2020, Missouri provided $78.6 million in LIHEAP assistance to over 108,000 households. In February, Governor Parson announced that the winter LIHEAP Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) would pledge the maximum disconnect amount (up to $800) this year toward an eligible participant’s owed balance to quickly and more easily resolve a household’s crisis.

“Extreme cold temperatures this winter, particularly during the month of February, also led to abnormally high utility bills for many households,” Governor Parson said. “LIHEAP is a great resource to assist with these costs, and we encourage Missourians to take advantage of the program to help pay off outstanding winter balances.”

Winter ECIP runs November through May and helps get low-income households out of crisis when its energy source has been shut off or is at risk of disconnection. Low-income Missourians who have received a disconnect notice or know a disconnect notice is coming should get help now to prevent service disconnection later.

Missourians can submit a LIHEAP application form online, by mail or fax, or drop off a paper application form in person.

Missourians in need of information on LIHEAP, Food Stamp, Medicaid, Child Care Subsidy, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefit programs can visit dss.mo.gov. Individuals can also apply for these services 24/7 online by visiting MyDSS.mo.gov, sending completed applications and verification documents by email to FSD.Documents@dss.mo.gov, or by fax to 573-526-9400.

Missouri has taken several steps to relieve residents of financial strain from winter utilities.

In April, Parson made a supplemental budget request to create a $50 million Municipal Utility Emergency Loan Program.

This would set aside $50 million for interest-free loans from the state’s Division of Energy.