While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance for energy costs to low-income households. LIHEAP is a federal program that is administered by individual states, territories, and tribes. In Missouri, LIHEAP is administered by the Family Support Division (FSD).
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in Missouri, click here.
The Missouri Family Support Division oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for heating expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s heating and cooling assistance initiative in Missouri, see the Missouri state 2022 LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
Missouri’s LIHEAP program does not provide financial compensation for cooling expenses. However, it does assist with cooling emergencies if applicants qualify for Crisis Assistance.
LIHEAP Crisis Assistance, like standard LIHEAP benefits, is a cash grant provided to the utility companies of eligible individuals in certain situations.
If your household meets all the eligibility requirements above and has an energy-related crisis, you may qualify for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance.
The state of Missouri defines a “crisis situation” as one where a household:
A “life-threatening crisis situation” also qualifies a household for Crisis Assistance. This occurs when:
For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment of $800. For a crisis that occurs in the summer, the maximum payment is $300.
Learn more about Crisis Assistance on page 12 of the Detailed Model Plan here.
To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the Missouri Family Support Division will consider:
Also, whether you are eligible for regular LIHEAP payments or Crisis Assistance payments will influence your maximum benefit amount.
As of 2022, the maximum annual benefit amount for heating in Missouri is $495 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $47.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Missouri, you must meet the following requirements:
The Missouri Family Support Division prioritizes households with elderly or disabled members. Elderly is considered 60 years or older. These households will be able to submit applications for LIHEAP benefits starting October 1st of each year.
Learn more about the LIHEAP financial eligibility requirements in Missouri here.
If you or a member of your family participates in the benefit programs below, then you may automatically be eligible for LIHEAP based on your income:
Eligible households can only apply for LIHEAP heating assistance from October 1st until May 31st each year.
To apply for LIHEAP in Missouri, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need to complete the process on page 5 here.
To apply for LIHEAP online, complete the Application for Financial Help to Heat or Cool Your Home here and submit it electronically.
To apply for LIHEAP by mail, complete the Application for Financial Help to Heat or Cool Your Home and send your application to your local office. You can find your local LIHEAP agency here.
To apply for LIHEAP by fax, complete the Application for Financial Help to Heat or Cool Your Home and send your application to your local office. You can find the fax number for your local office at the bottom of the application.
To apply for LIHEAP in person, visit your local LIHEAP agency.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact your nearest LIHEAP Contracted Agency office. Find your nearest LIHEAP office here. You can also contact the Missouri Family Support Division at 1 (855) 373-4636 for assistance.
When applying for Missouri LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The state will need the following documents and information to confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP benefits:
Learn more about the documentation needed during the LIHEAP application process here on page 5.
You can call the Missouri Division of Family Services at (855) 373-4636 to check the status of your application. Alternatively, you can contact your local LIHEAP office. Click here to find your local office and contact information.
The Missouri Family Support Division will notify you within 30 days of receiving your application if you are approved to receive benefits. All LIHEAP payments are made to the heating or energy provider directly. Benefit payments will not be sent to you.
If you are denied Missouri LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision in person, by mail, by fax, or by phone within 90 days from the date you receive the denial.
To begin the appeal process, you must contact your local LIHEAP office. Find your nearest local LIHEAP office here. If you would like to apply for an appeal in writing, you can submit your request by mailing or faxing your local office.
If you have questions about the appeal process, contact the Family Support Division:
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in Missouri or require further assistance, contact your local LIHEAP office. Find your nearest LIHEAP office and contact information here.
Or, call the Department of Health and Welfare benefits phone line at (855) 373-4636.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and compiled a guide that we believe is simple to use and easy to understand. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing detailed information on the process.
Our free LIHEAP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply for LIHEAP, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: February 2, 2024