LIHEAP Application Period Runs Through October

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program will take applications from income-qualifying Missourians for assistance in paying their summer cooling bills if they are in crisis through the end of October. The income level for Missouri to qualify for help has also been increased.

Missourians who earn up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level, for example a maximum monthly income of $2,666 for a 3-person household or $3,219 for a 4-person household, now may qualify for assistance. In June, $15 million was added to LIHEAP to double the maximum benefit from $300 to $600 and to support a likely increase in the number of low-income Missourians eligible for cooling assistance.

They applications can also be made online. Those applying must be responsible for paying home cooling costs, have $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts, or investments, and be a U.S. citizen or legally admitted for permanent residence.

At the end of August, Missouri has provided $8.5 million in summer cooling assistance to over 34,000 households.