Apply for Energy Assistance
You may apply for the Energy Assistance (EA) program only once. EA operates year-round. Benefit levels for EA are based on the number of people living in a household, household income, and the type of fuel used for home heating. It is not necessary to be in crisis to receive assistance through EA.
Important Information about Energy Assistance
Energy Assistance Dates
Disabled and elderly (age 60 or older) households may submit their applications as early as October 1, although the program does not officially begin until November 1.
For all other households, the program begins December 1, and applications will be accepted beginning November 1.
Please Note: Payments or pledges will not be made until after the new program start dates.
Types of Assistance Available
Summer Crisis Electric Assistance
How do I apply?
You must have the following:
- A current LIHEAP Application on file with your current address.
- Documentation showing the total amount owed. Make sure to write your social security number & phone number on the bill.
- If charges other than your electric (water, trash, sewer, etc..) appear on your electric bill, a completed Non-Energy Payment Agreement Form & receipt showing all non-electric charges have been paid is required.
**Maximum Summer benefit per family is $1,200.00**
Winter Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)
The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) has a winter and a summer season. Like EA, the winter season starts in October for disabled and elderly households and begins in December for all other households. It runs through May. The summer season runs June through September.
CMCA services eight counties including Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Montineau, and Osage. Submit your application as soon as possible to ensure you receive support in a timely manner.
CMCA is given a fixed amount of money from the state for both winter and summer ECIP. Applicants can receive up to $1,600 in the winter and $1,200 during the summer, as long as the agency has available funds. Families may get assistance as many times as needed if they have not reached their maximum benefit levels for that season.
**Maximum Winter benefit per family is $1,600.00** current.
Ways to Apply for Assistance
You may submit your application by downloading and mailing/delivering it to our Boone County Family Resource Center, faxing it to 573.370.1212 or you may submit online! See below.
LIHEAP APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!
Please read these instructions before completing an online application:
- Some of the operations of this application are limited to Adobe Acrobat software and limitations of using PDF formatting.
- You may complete the application on your phone; however, you will need to have Acrobat Reader fillable forms on IOS.
- Once you click the submit button, you must save the completed LIHEAP application to your computer or phone. After saving the application, you will proceed to a page where you’ll be asked to attach the application and other documents.
- The submitted LIHEAP application will send an encrypted email with the application and any attachments to the agency based on the county the applicant selected. If an application is received from a customer that does not reside in a county serviced by that agency, the application will be sent to the agency that provides assistance for the county were the applicant resides.
The application must be mailed in or dropped off at the
CMCA Energy Office located at:
800 N. Providence Rd.
Columbia, MO 65203
Please note:
Due to the high volume of emails and applications, response times related to applications may be delayed. Please allow up to 7-14 business days for a response.
When Will I Get My Benefit?
Once you submit your application and required documents, your application will be reviewed within approximately 30 business days (unless it is considered a crisis for LIHEAP). A letter will be mailed to you that tells you if you qualify for help and the amount you will get.
After you apply, please continue to pay your utility bills if you can so you do not get disconnected or run out of fuel such as propane, wood, or pre-paid electric. Your bill needs to be paid to your utility company (not the LIHEAP agency).
LIHEAP Eligibility Criteria
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) keeps families safe and healthy by assisting with energy costs. CMCA makes payments directly to utility vendors on behalf of residents with low-incomes or who are in crises.
To qualify for LIHEAP assistance, the following requirements must be met:
- Be responsible for paying home heating and cooling costs.
- Be a United States citizen, or have been legally admitted for permanent residence.
- Have $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts, or investments.
- Meet specific income guidelines that vary according to household size and fuel type.
