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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Missouri
Missouri's LIHEAP has two parts: Energy Assistance, a one-time payment toward heating or cooling costs, and the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) for shut-off notices, a nearly empty fuel tank and similar emergencies.
People 60 and older and people with disabilities can apply for Energy Assistance starting Oct. 1, a month before everyone else. Applications go to the contracted agency that serves your area.
How to apply in Missouri
- By phone
- 855-373-4636
- In person
- Take or send your application and documents to the contracted agency that serves your area, by mail, fax or in person. The state's LIHEAP page links to a list of contracted agencies. You can also call your agency or 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636) to have an application mailed to you.
- By mail
- Print the LIHEAP application, fill it out, and mail it with your documents to your contracted agency.
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify in Missouri
| Monthly income limit, one person (as of Oct. 1, 2026) | $2,942 a month for one person (60% of state median income) |
|---|---|
| Monthly income limit, two people (as of Oct. 1, 2026) | $3,847 a month for two people |
| Savings limit | $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts and investments |
| Who pays the bill | You must be responsible for paying the utilities for your home, including if you rent |
What you may get
| Energy Assistance, one-time payment (FFY 2027 state plan) | $153 to $495, for one fuel type |
|---|---|
| Crisis help, ECIP (2026–27) | Up to $800 in winter and up to $300 in summer, if you have a disconnect notice with a date, your service has been cut off, your propane or fuel oil tank is under 20% full, or you buy fuel cash on delivery or prepaid electric |
Dates, renewals and waiting lists
| Energy Assistance sign-up, 2026–27 | People 60 and older and people with disabilities can apply from Oct. 1, 2026, with payments starting Nov. 1. Everyone else can apply from Nov. 1, with payments starting Dec. 1. Energy Assistance runs through May 31, 2027. |
|---|---|
| Crisis help, 2026–27 | Winter ECIP from Nov. 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027; summer ECIP from June 1 to Sept. 30, 2027, while funds last |
| Summer cooling help | The one-time Energy Assistance payment can go toward heating or cooling costs from October to May. Summer crisis help (ECIP) runs June to September, and agencies may provide window air conditioners. |
| Early sign-up for older adults | People 60 and older and people with disabilities can apply for Energy Assistance from Oct. 1, a month before everyone else, and their payments start Nov. 1 |
How Missouri is different
Where Missouri's rules differ from the federal rules for LIHEAP heating and cooling help.
- People 60 and older and people with disabilities can apply a month early, starting Oct. 1
- Savings limit of $3,000 in bank, retirement and investment accounts
- Agencies may also provide blankets, emergency lodging, heating or cooling repair or replacement, window air conditioners or wood stoves
Good to know
- Applications are reviewed in about 30 business days unless it's a crisis. Keep paying your utility bills if you can while you wait.
Free help
Free help with this in Missouri
Division of Senior and Disability Services (DSDS)
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in Missouri
Help with heating and cooling bills in another state
- Alabama
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- District of Columbia
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- Illinois
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- Texas
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- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
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Sources
- Missouri Department of Social Services, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Missouri Department of Social Services, Benefit Program Income Limits, as of 10/01/2026 (IM-4 BPIL Chart, rev. 10/2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Missouri Department of Social Services, FFY 2027 LIHEAP Model State Plan (active Oct. 1, 2026 to Sept. 30, 2027) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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