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Covering state lawmakers, bills, and policy emerging from Jefferson City.

Funds Freed up for Those in Need of Home Energy Assistance

Stephan Wolschon
/
(Flickr)

Gov. Jay Nixon has announced the availability of additional federal funding to help low-income Missourians stay warm this winter.

Nixon said Friday that the Missouri Department of Social Services has made more than $4.5 million in extra funds available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

The Program’s Energy Crisis Intervention initiative 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.  

Already this fiscal year, more than $14.1 million for the LIHEAP’s initiative has been made available. Today’s announcement brings that total to $18.6 million.

Missourians may be eligible for the program if 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 here with instructions and information on their nearest agency location or visit www.DSS.mo.gov for more information.