Americans can apply for one-time energy relief payments ranging from $438 to $1,600 — see if you qualify

Starting this month, struggling Americans can secure one-time payments ranging from $438 to $1,600.

The payments come from the state-funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) in 12 Missouri counties.

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But also the North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC). accept applications for the one-time payment.

Applications for the elderly and disabled began November 1, applications for families and individuals began December 1.

Last year, NECAC provided utility services to around 9,000 households and expects to increase that number.

The maximum benefits are:

• Propane Heated Homes – $990
• Natural Gas – $652
• Electricity – $636
• Wood—$438

ECIP is also offering monthly payments for income-eligible households up to a maximum of $1,600 through September 2023.

The monthly income limit for a one-person household is $2,370.

For a four-person residence, the monthly income limit is $4,558, with additional amounts available upon request.

The program is funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services and distributed through the Missouri Department of Social Services.

The program then contracts NECAC and the 18 other Community Action Agencies in Missouri to administer the service.

The payments are then sent directly to the utilities.

The NECAC accepts requests for assistance from utility companies online or in person at their service centers.

The 12 districts are:

• Lewis County: 408 S. Fourth in Canton – 573-288-3969
• Lincoln County: 11 Woodcrest Dr. at Troy – 636-528-7604
• Macon County: 907 Highway PP in Macon – 660-385-4616
• Marion County: 3518 Palmyra Road in Hannibal – 573-221-7166
• Monroe County: 314 N Washington in Paris – 660-327-4110
• Montgomery County: 137 Ferns in Montgomery City – 573-564-3606
• Pike County: Bus 805. Highway. 61 North at Bowling Green – 573-324-2207
• Ralls County: 411 Main in New London – 573-985-2411
• Randolph County: 1903 N. Morley Suite B in Moberly – 660-263-6595
• Shelby County: 204 E. Third in Shelbyville – 573-633-2210
• St. Charles County: 3400 Meadow Pointe Drive in O’Fallon – 636-272-3477
• Warren County: 120 E. Main in Warrenton – 636-456-8191

Who is Eligible?

The LIHEAP provides funds for states to allocate programs related to household utility bills, energy crises, weathering, and energy-related minor home repairs.

The requirements for LIHEAP support:

• The applicant must live in the household and be financially responsible for the utility bills
• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status
• Applicants should have less than $3,000 in bank accounts, retirement accounts, or investment accounts
• The applicant must meet certain income guidelines, which vary by household size

More about the LIHEAP program

LIHEAP is a federal grant and assistance program, but states have leeway in setting funding guidelines, unlike other federal programs like SNAP.

Since this is a grant, the money does not have to be repaid.

However, the program is left up to the states, so payment amounts vary based on where you live.

States may set the eligibility limit at 150 percent of the state poverty line or 60 percent of the state median income, with a minimum of 110 percent.

Federal poverty guidelines vary by household size, but are set at $13,590 for a single person or $27,750 for a family of four in 2022.

But National Energy Assistance Directors Association executive director Mark Wolfe said most states set it at 150 percent of the federal poverty line, with some as high as 60 percent of median state income.

In higher-income states like California and Massachusetts, 60 percent of the state median income can be as high as 200 percent of the federal poverty line.

Typically, 85 percent of the money goes to heating cost aid and 15 percent to cooling.

To apply, visit your state’s website for more information.

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