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Energy Assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists families with energy costs in the summer and winter months. CMCA helps more than 9,000  mid-Missouri families annually by restoring or maintaining their utilities through LIHEAP.

There are two components of LIHEAP —Energy Assistance (EA) and  Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). Since both are a part of the LIHEAP program. The requirements for eligibility are the same. To receive EA and ECIP applicants must have an annual income at or below 135% of the established Federal Poverty Level (FPL). 

Click to download a brochure about services.

Apply for Energy Assistance

You may apply for the Energy Assistance (EA) program only once. EA operates year-round beginning in October for households that have members with a disability or who are 60 years or older. And, starting in November for all other households. 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.

LIHEAP BROCHURE - English
LIHEAP BROCHURE - Spanish

LIHEAP APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!

LIHEAP flyerPlease read these instructions before completing an online application: 

  1. Some of the operations of this application are limited to Adobe Acrobat software and limitations of using PDF formatting.
  2. You may complete the application on your phone; however, you will need to have Acrobat Reader fillable forms on IOS.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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.

Eligibility

Utility Assistance Phone Line: 573-443-1100

To check on a submitted application please email cmcaenergy@cmca.us​.

Ways to Apply for Assistance

You may submit your application by downloading and mailing/delivering it to our Boone County Family Resource Center, or you may submit online! See below. 

LIHEAP Application and Instructions
LIHEAP Income Ranges and Benefit Amounts

The application is available now and can be mailed in or dropped off at the CMCA Energy Office located at:

800 N. Providence Rd.
Columbia, MO 65203

*** Please email  cmcaenergy@cmca.us to follow up on your application.***

Submit Your Application Here

Summer Crisis Electric Assistance

How do I apply?

You must have the following:

  •  A 2020-21 LIHEAP Application on file with your current address
  •  Documentation showing the electric account is past due or in threat of being disconnected or is already off-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.

Applicants must be in a crisis situation or be shut off in order to receive ECIP assistance. The benefit from ECIP is based on the amount of money required to resolve the crisis and keep the family out of threat for 30 days.

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 are in a crisis situation and have not reached their maximum benefit levels for that season.

**Maximum Summer benefit per family is $1,600.00**

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.

LIHEAP Overview

  • Application and Instructions
  • Income Ranges and Benefit Amounts
  • Non-Energy Payment Agreement Form
  • Missouri Social Services
  • US Health & Human Services
  • Weatherization Program

Utility Assistance Phone Line: 573-443-1100

To check on a submitted application please email cmcaenergy@cmca.us​.

 

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