The Missouri Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program has two components, Energy Assistance (EA) and the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), that make up the program. Since both are a part of the LIHEAP program the eligibility requirements for them are the same, including the requirement that applicants be at or under 125% of the established poverty guidelines to receive assistance. During the 2007 fiscal year, CMCA helped 4,658 clients across our eight county service area to keep or turn their their utilities back on through ECIP.
Energy Assistance (EA)
EA is a one time payment program operating in the winter season from November to March with
a stipulation that those who are either elderly or disabled may apply in October. The benefit
level is bases on household size, income level, age and disability. It is not necessary to be in crisis to receive assistance through EA.
Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)
ECIP has a winter and a summer season. Like EA, the winter season starts in October for those who are either elderly or disabled, or November for all other applicants, and runs through May. Applicants must have a disconnection notice or be shut off before assistance is provided. Applicants can receive up to $600 in the winter and $300 during the summer season, provided there are funds avaiable. Clients may get assistance as many times as needed, provided they
have a shut off notice and have not reached their maximum benefit levels for that season.
LIHEAP Eligibility Criteria
Citizenship - Must be a United States citizen or alien admitted for permanent residence
Resources -Household resources cannot exceed $3000, unless resources are restricted or inaccessible
Responsibility for Home Energy Costs -The head of household or spouse must provide
proof that the account with the household energy supplier is in their name or be a renter or
landlord applicant and incur the energy costs
Termination/Threat of Termination -Must have a shut off notice or already have service terminated to recieve ECIP funds
Income Based on Household Size - Household income cannot exceed 125% of the Federal
Poverty Level
