Easing the Burden with Utility Assistance
Living in Missouri, where the weather can be extreme, utility bills can start accumulating for families with limited income. Luckily, there are programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) to help out. These programs aim to ease the financial burden of energy, water, and sewer bills for eligible individuals and families.
LIHEAP offers two types of help: Energy Assistance, which is a one-time payment to cover your heating or cooling costs from October to May, and Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP).ECIP steps in when your energy bill is in crisis (if you receive a disconnect notice). The assistance amount depends on your bill.
Contracted agencies may also provide emergency services like blankets or help with heating and cooling systems.
To get LIHEAP help, you must:
Similarly, LIHWAP is like a safety net for water and sewer bills. It offers up to $750 for things like disconnection fees and past due bills. To get LIHWAP help, you must meet similar requirements as LIHEAP. Just like LIHEAP, you can apply online or by mail, fax, or in person.
Both LIHEAP and LIHWAP review your application in about 30 business days and let you know if you qualify and how much help you'll receive. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to explore these programs—they're here to help!
LIHEAP offers two types of help: Energy Assistance, which is a one-time payment to cover your heating or cooling costs from October to May, and Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP).ECIP steps in when your energy bill is in crisis (if you receive a disconnect notice). The assistance amount depends on your bill.
Contracted agencies may also provide emergency services like blankets or help with heating and cooling systems.
To get LIHEAP help, you must:
- Pay for your home utilities (even if you rent).
- Live in Missouri.
- Be a U.S. citizen or have legal permanent residence.
- Have $3,000 or less in your bank accounts.
- Meet income guidelines for your household size.
Similarly, LIHWAP is like a safety net for water and sewer bills. It offers up to $750 for things like disconnection fees and past due bills. To get LIHWAP help, you must meet similar requirements as LIHEAP. Just like LIHEAP, you can apply online or by mail, fax, or in person.
Both LIHEAP and LIHWAP review your application in about 30 business days and let you know if you qualify and how much help you'll receive. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to explore these programs—they're here to help!