Energy Assistance Program can help with heating costs

As cold weather approaches, the Missouri Department of Social Services is reminding Missourians in need the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can help them with heating bills this fall and winter.

The program offers help paying heating bills through March. Payment amounts can range from $45 to $450, based on household size, income and type of fuel used for home heating. Payments are generally made directly to the utility company.

In fiscal year 2014, more than 146,000 Missouri households received assistance from the program, according to a news release from the state Department of Social Services.

An individual 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 -- which is $26,716 annually for a family of three -- and have $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts or investments.

Applications are being accepted. Individuals interested in the program can apply through their local Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program contract agency. For Bollinger, Cape Girardeau and Perry counties that's the East Missouri Action Agency, 573-431-5191. The contract agency for Scott County is Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corp., 573-379-3851.

If an individual qualifies for energy assistance, he or she also may qualify for help through the Energy Crisis Intervention Program. The program makes payments to energy providers for households where energy service has been terminated or a threat of disconnection has been received, and for those who are running short of purchased fuel. The amount is based on the cost to restore or continue services, which may be up to $800 for the winter program.

Missourians interested in applying for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can download the application with instructions and information on their nearest agency location at dss.mo.gov/fsd/eassist/pdf/hcapp.pdf or visit DSS.mo.gov for more information.