As Cold Temperatures Continue Throughout the State, More Missourians to Get Help Staying Warm, Gov. Nixon Announces

Press Release

More federal funding is now available for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help Missourians in need with home heating bills
Jefferson City, MO
Gov. Jay Nixon today announced that the Missouri Department of Social Services is making more than $4.5 million in additional federal funds available to help low-income Missourians stay warm this winter through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

"With temperatures across Missouri dipping below freezing, we want to make sure that families in need are able to stay warm without having their heat shut off, or going into the spring with a winter's worth of debt," Gov. Nixon said. "I appreciate the work of DSS and local LIHEAP providers for working with families and Missouri's utility companies to keep folks safe during these winter months."

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program's Energy Crisis Intervention Program 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).

"It is imperative for Missourians to stay warm to remain safe and healthy, especially during periods of extreme cold," said Brian Kinkade, Missouri Department of Social Services Director. "We know many Missourians are struggling with heating bills this winter and these additional resources will allow us to work with our local partners in communities across the state to help families in need."

Already this fiscal year, more than $14.1 million for LIHEAP's winter Energy Crisis Intervention Program have been made available. With today's announcement, the total amount of funds available for this winter's Energy Crisis Intervention Program is $18.6 million.

Missourians 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 ($26,716 annually for a family of three), and have $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts, or investments.

In fiscal year 2014, more than 146,000 Missouri households received LIHEAP assistance.

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

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