Missouri's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, with regular heating benefits up to $495 and emergency crisis payments up to $800. Applications open each October, and funding runs out before the season ends most years, so applying early makes a real difference.
This guide covers who qualifies, what documents you need, and exactly how to submit your application.
What Missouri LIHEAP Covers
Missouri LIHEAP provides three types of assistance:
Energy Assistance (EA): A one-time payment applied directly to your heating or cooling bill. This is the standard annual benefit available from October through May.
Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP): Emergency help when you face utility shutoff or run out of heating fuel. Winter crisis runs November through May with a maximum of $800. Summer crisis runs June through September with a maximum of $300.
Additional Services: Some local contracted agencies also provide emergency supplies such as blankets, portable heaters, or cooling fans, and may help coordinate heating or cooling equipment repairs.
Payments go directly to your utility company or fuel provider, not to you. If you rent and utilities are included in your rent, you may still qualify if energy costs are factored into your housing costs.
Missouri LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Missouri uses 60% of State Median Income (SMI) to set eligibility limits. The table below shows the maximum gross monthly income by household size.
| Household Size | Max Gross Monthly Income |
|---|
| 1 person | $2,839 |
| 2 people | $3,713 |
| 3 people | $4,587 |
| 4 people | $5,461 |
| 5 people | $6,335 |
| 6 people | $7,209 |
To convert to annual income, multiply by 12. For example, a family of four can earn up to approximately $65,532 per year.
You must also have $3,000 or less in liquid assets, including bank accounts, retirement accounts, and investments. This asset test applies to all household members.
If your income is slightly above the limit, it is still worth applying. Eligibility is based on household size and gross income at the time of application, not annual tax returns, so income changes throughout the year can affect your eligibility.
Who Qualifies for Missouri LIHEAP
To be eligible, you must meet all of the following:
- Missouri resident
- U.S. citizen or qualified permanent resident
- Responsible for paying home energy costs (either directly or as part of rent)
- Gross household income at or below 60% of State Median Income
- Household assets of $3,000 or less
Renters qualify even if the utility bill is in the landlord's name, provided heat is not fully included in rent without a separate charge. You do not need to be a homeowner.
Elderly applicants (age 60 and older) and individuals with disabilities may apply for heating assistance starting October 1, which is one month before most other applicants can begin crisis assistance. Priority processing often applies to elderly and disabled households.
Documents You Need to Apply
Gather these before you start your application to avoid delays:
Proof of identity:
- State-issued photo ID or driver's license for the head of household
Proof of residency:
- Current utility bill or lease agreement showing your Missouri address
Proof of income for all household members:
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
- Social Security or disability award letter
- Unemployment benefit statement
- Self-employment records
- Zero-income statement if no income (you sign a declaration)
Household information:
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Birth dates for all household members
Energy account information:
- Your most recent utility bill or account number
- Fuel provider name if you use propane, heating oil, or wood
If you apply for crisis assistance, bring a shutoff notice or documentation showing your fuel supply is critically low.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in Missouri: Step-by-Step
Missouri does not have a single statewide LIHEAP office. Instead, 19 contracted Community Action Agencies (CAAs) handle applications across all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis.
Step 1: Find your local contracted agency
Go to mydss.mo.gov/utility-assistance/liheap and use the county lookup tool to find the agency serving your area. You can also call the Missouri Department of Social Services at 855-373-4636 (855-FSD-INFO) to get your agency's contact information.
Step 2: Get the application
Applications are available in English and Spanish. You can:
- Download the form from the myDSS website
- Pick up a printed form at your local contracted agency
- Apply online if your agency offers an online portal (availability varies by agency)
Step 3: Complete the application
Fill out all sections completely. List every household member and their income. Incomplete applications cause delays or denials.
Step 4: Attach your documents
Gather the documents listed above and attach copies to your completed application. Keep originals for your records.
Step 5: Submit to your local agency
Submit your application by mail, fax, or in person at your contracted agency. Some agencies also accept email submissions. Call ahead to confirm accepted methods and current deadlines.
Step 6: Wait for a decision
Standard applications are processed within approximately 30 business days. Crisis applications are handled faster given the urgency. You will receive a letter by mail stating whether you qualify and the benefit amount.
Step 7: Benefit payment
If approved, payment goes directly to your utility company or fuel supplier. You do not receive a check. Confirm with your provider that payment was received and applied to your account.
Program Dates and Deadlines
| Program | Dates |
|---|
| Heating Assistance (Energy Assistance) | October 1 through May 31 |
| Winter Crisis Assistance | November 1 through May 31 |
| Summer Crisis Assistance | June 1 through September 30 |
Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Many agencies exhaust their heating assistance allocation before May 31. Apply as early in the season as possible, especially for the regular heating benefit.
You must reapply every program year even if you received assistance the previous year.
Missouri LIHEAP Benefit Amounts
| Benefit Type | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|
| Regular Heating Assistance | $153 | $495 |
| Winter Crisis Assistance | None specified | $800 |
| Summer Crisis Assistance | None specified | $300 |
The actual amount you receive depends on your household size, income level, and heating costs. Lower income and larger households typically qualify for higher benefit amounts.
Finding Your Local Contracted Agency
Missouri's 19 contracted agencies serve specific counties. Some of the major agencies include:
- Community Action Agency of St. Louis County for St. Louis County
- LIHEAP via Missouri Valley Community Action Agency for counties in the northwest
- West Central Missouri Community Action Agency for the west-central region
- CAPNEMO (Community Action Partnership of Northeast Missouri) for northeast counties
To confirm which agency covers your county, use the official lookup at mydss.mo.gov or call 855-373-4636. Do not mail your application to the wrong agency, as this will delay processing.
What Happens if You Are Denied
If your application is denied, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason. Common reasons include income above the limit, assets over $3,000, missing documentation, or missing the application deadline.
You have the right to request a fair hearing to appeal the decision. The denial letter will include instructions for requesting a hearing. You typically have 30 days from the date of the denial notice to request one.
If you were denied for missing documents, you can often reapply with complete documentation before the program year ends.
Other Missouri Energy Assistance Programs
LIHEAP is not the only option if you struggle with energy costs:
Missouri Gas Energy Assistance: Some natural gas utilities in Missouri offer low-income rate discount programs. Contact your gas company directly.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Funded separately from LIHEAP, this program helps make your home more energy-efficient with insulation, window sealing, and equipment upgrades. Eligibility is based on 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Apply through the same contracted agencies.
Utility Company Assistance Programs: Most Missouri electric and gas utilities have their own low-income assistance programs. Ameren Missouri, Evergy, and Spire all offer budget billing and hardship programs. Call your utility's customer service line and ask specifically about low-income or assistance programs.
SNAP: If you receive SNAP (food assistance), you may automatically qualify for a standard utility deduction that reduces how much income counts toward your benefits calculation, which can increase your SNAP benefit amount.
Use the Benefits Navigator screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check eligibility for multiple programs at once, including LIHEAP, SNAP, and Medicaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Missouri LIHEAP open for applications?
Regular heating assistance applications open October 1 each year. Elderly applicants (age 60 and older) and disabled applicants can apply starting October 1 for all assistance types. Winter crisis assistance begins November 1. The heating program closes May 31, but funds may run out before then.
Can I apply for LIHEAP online in Missouri?
Some contracted agencies accept online applications, but this varies by agency. The myDSS website provides the application form in English and Spanish, which you can complete and submit by mail, fax, or in person. Call your local agency to ask whether they accept online or email submissions.
How long does Missouri LIHEAP take to process?
Standard applications are processed within approximately 30 business days. Crisis applications are given priority and processed faster. You will receive a letter in the mail with the decision and benefit amount.
Do renters qualify for Missouri LIHEAP?
Yes. You can qualify as a renter as long as you pay energy costs directly or your energy costs are factored into your rent. You do not need to own your home.
What is the income limit for a family of 4 in Missouri LIHEAP?
For a household of 4, the maximum gross monthly income is $5,461, which equals approximately $65,532 per year. This is based on 60% of Missouri's State Median Income.
Can I get LIHEAP if I use propane or heating oil?
Yes. LIHEAP covers all primary heating fuel types, including natural gas, electricity, propane, heating oil, kerosene, and wood. You will need to provide your fuel supplier's contact information on the application.
What if my utility is about to be shut off?
Apply for the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) right away. Bring your shutoff notice to your local contracted agency. Crisis applications are processed faster than regular heating applications, and the maximum benefit is $800 during the winter months.
Do I have to reapply every year?
Yes. You must submit a new application every program year, even if you received benefits the previous year. There is no automatic renewal.
Where do I find my local Missouri LIHEAP office?
Visit mydss.mo.gov/utility-assistance/liheap and use the county lookup, or call 855-373-4636. Missouri has 19 contracted agencies covering all counties and the City of St. Louis.
What if my income changed recently?
LIHEAP eligibility is based on your current gross household income at the time of application, not your annual tax return. If your income dropped recently due to job loss, reduced hours, or another change, apply now even if you earned too much earlier in the year.
Not sure which programs you qualify for? Run a free eligibility check at benefitsusa.org/screener to see LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, and other Missouri benefits you may be eligible for in minutes.
For more information about Missouri assistance programs, visit our Missouri benefits guide.
