Missouri's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. For 2026, income eligibility is set at 60% of State Median Income (SMI), with maximum monthly income limits ranging from $2,840 for a one-person household to $7,537 for eight people. If your household's gross monthly income falls at or below the limit for your household size, you may qualify for a one-time energy payment, crisis assistance, or weatherization services.
Missouri LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Missouri uses 60% of State Median Income as the income cutoff for its heating assistance and crisis intervention programs. The table below shows the maximum gross monthly income allowed by household size, effective April 1, 2026.
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income | SMI Percentage |
|---|
| 1 | $2,840 | 60% SMI |
| 2 | $3,714 | 60% SMI |
| 3 | $4,588 | 60% SMI |
| 4 | $5,461 | 60% SMI |
| 5 | $6,335 | 60% SMI |
| 6 | $7,209 | 60% SMI |
| 7 | $7,373 | 60% SMI |
| 8 | $7,537 | 60% SMI |
For households larger than 8 people, add $163 to the income limit for each additional member.
All income is counted before taxes (gross income). This includes wages, Social Security, SSI, pension payments, child support, unemployment benefits, and rental income.
Weatherization Income Limits
The weatherization component of LIHEAP uses a different standard: 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) rather than 60% SMI. For 2026, that works out to approximately $2,480 per month for a single person and $3,353 for a two-person household. Weatherization is available year-round regardless of the heating season schedule.
Asset Limits
Missouri LIHEAP also applies an asset test. Households must have $3,000 or less in combined bank accounts, retirement accounts, and investments to qualify. There is no asset test for crisis assistance when there is an immediate shutoff or emergency.
Who Qualifies for Missouri LIHEAP
To be eligible for Missouri LIHEAP in 2026, your household must meet all of these conditions:
- Household income is at or below 60% SMI (see table above)
- You live in Missouri
- You pay heating or cooling costs, either directly or as part of rent
- You are a U.S. citizen or qualified legal permanent resident
- Household assets do not exceed $3,000
Renters qualify as long as their utility costs are included in rent or they pay their own energy bills. You do not have to own your home.
Households that include someone 60 or older, a person with a disability, or a child under age 6 receive priority processing for crisis assistance.
Missouri LIHEAP Benefit Amounts 2026
Missouri LIHEAP provides different benefit types depending on your situation and the time of year.
| Benefit Type | Amount | Program Dates |
|---|
| Regular Heating Assistance | $153 minimum to $495 maximum | October 1 to May 31 |
| Winter Crisis Intervention | Up to $800 | November 1 to May 31 |
| Summer Crisis Intervention | Up to $300 | June 1 to September 30 |
| Weatherization | Varies by home | Year-round |
Regular heating assistance is a one-time payment sent directly to your utility provider or fuel supplier. Crisis assistance is available when you face a disconnection notice, your heat has been shut off, or your fuel supply is dangerously low. Crisis benefits are subject to available funding and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The actual benefit amount for regular heating assistance depends on your household's income, size, and energy costs. Lower-income households and those with higher heating costs generally receive amounts closer to the maximum.
How to Apply for Missouri LIHEAP in 2026
Missouri offers three ways to submit a LIHEAP application: online, by mail or fax, and in person at a local agency.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect the following:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport) for all adult household members
- Proof of Missouri residency (utility bill, lease, or official mail with your address)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income for the past 30 days for everyone in the household (pay stubs, benefit award letters, or bank statements)
- Most recent utility bill or heating fuel receipt
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency if applicable
If your household includes someone who receives SNAP, SSI, or TANF, bring that award letter as well. Households currently enrolled in one of those programs may have a simplified income verification process.
Step 2: Complete the Application
Online: Visit formsportal.mo.gov to fill out the LIHEAP application in English or Spanish. Upload your supporting documents directly through the portal.
By mail or fax: Download and print the paper application from the same portal. Complete it, attach copies of your documents, and mail or fax to your county's contracted LIHEAP agency.
In person: Bring your documents to your local Community Action Agency. To find the agency serving your county, call 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636) or visit mydss.mo.gov.
Step 3: Wait for a Decision
Standard processing takes approximately 30 business days after the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) receives your complete application and all required documents. You will receive a written notice by mail stating whether you qualify and, if so, your benefit amount.
For crisis cases involving an active shutoff notice or no heat, processing is expedited. Contact your local agency directly to flag your application as a crisis.
Step 4: Benefit Payment
If approved, payment goes directly to your utility company or fuel supplier. You will not receive cash. If you use a fuel delivery service, LIHEAP may coordinate delivery through an approved vendor.
What Counts as Income
Missouri LIHEAP counts all gross (pre-tax) income from all household members. Common income sources that count include:
- Wages and salaries from employment
- Self-employment income
- Social Security retirement and disability benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans benefits
- Unemployment compensation
- Child support and alimony received
- Pension and retirement distributions
- Rental income
- Workers' compensation
Lump-sum payments such as tax refunds and gifts are generally not counted as income. Contact your local agency if you have an unusual income source and want to confirm whether it counts.
Missouri LIHEAP for Renters
Renters can apply for LIHEAP even if their landlord pays the utilities. You must show that energy costs are included in your rent or that you pay your own utility bills. If utilities are bundled into rent, your benefit may be paid to your landlord or handled differently depending on your local agency. Ask your case worker how this works for your specific rental situation.
Finding Your Local Missouri LIHEAP Office
Missouri contracts with Community Action Agencies across the state to administer LIHEAP at the county level. Each county is served by a specific agency. To find yours:
Major metro area agencies include Community Action Agency of St. Louis County, REAP (Rising Economic Action Programs) in Kansas City, and CAP (Community Action Partnership) offices serving Springfield and surrounding areas.
Check Your Eligibility
Not sure if you qualify for LIHEAP or other Missouri assistance programs? Use the free Benefits Navigator screener to check your eligibility for LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, and 10+ other programs based on your household size and income. It takes about 3 minutes and gives you a personalized list of programs you likely qualify for.
You can also visit the Missouri benefits page for an overview of all state and federal assistance programs available to Missouri residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Missouri LIHEAP in 2026?
Missouri's income limit for LIHEAP is 60% of State Median Income. For 2026, that equals $2,840 per month for a single person, $3,714 for two people, $4,588 for three people, and $5,461 for a household of four. Add $163 per person for households larger than eight.
When does Missouri LIHEAP open for 2026?
The regular heating assistance program runs from October 1 to May 31. Winter crisis assistance runs from November 1 through May 31. Summer crisis assistance for cooling runs from June 1 to September 30. Weatherization services are available year-round.
How much will Missouri LIHEAP pay?
Regular heating assistance ranges from $153 to $495. Crisis assistance for heating provides up to $800, and summer cooling crisis assistance provides up to $300. The exact amount depends on your income, household size, and energy costs.
Does Missouri LIHEAP have an asset limit?
Yes. Your household must have $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts, and investments combined. There is no asset limit for emergency crisis cases.
Can renters apply for Missouri LIHEAP?
Yes. Renters qualify as long as they pay their own utility bills or their energy costs are included in their rent. Bring your lease agreement and a recent utility bill or documentation showing energy costs are part of your rent.
How long does Missouri LIHEAP take to process?
Standard applications take approximately 30 business days after submission of all required documents. Crisis applications with an active shutoff or heat emergency are processed faster. Contact your local agency immediately if you face an emergency shutoff.
Can I apply for Missouri LIHEAP online?
Yes. Applications are available online at formsportal.mo.gov in both English and Spanish. You can upload all supporting documents through the portal. You can also apply by mail, fax, or in person at your county's Community Action Agency.
What documents do I need for Missouri LIHEAP?
You need proof of identity, proof of Missouri residency, Social Security numbers for all household members, proof of income for the past 30 days, and your most recent utility bill. If you receive SNAP, SSI, or TANF, bring that award letter as well.
