Missouri Energy Assistance (LIHEAP & ECIP)
Last updated August 2026
Missouri's LIHEAP helps eligible households pay home energy bills and provides emergency help in a crisis. It has two parts. Energy Assistance, EA, is a one-time payment toward one fuel type for heating or cooling during the October-to-May season. The Energy Crisis Intervention Program, ECIP, handles emergencies. Apply at mydss.mo.gov, or call 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636).
The crisis help is real money. Winter ECIP runs November through May with a maximum benefit of $800, and Summer ECIP runs June through September, for cooling, with a maximum of $300. So Missouri LIHEAP is not heating-only; the summer cooling help matters.
A crisis has specific triggers: a termination or disconnect notice, a final bill, a propane tank below 20 percent, prepaid electric near depletion, or running out of wood, corn pellets, or kerosene. If one of those describes your situation, name it, because crisis cases move faster.
There is an asset test to know. Beyond income, you can have no more than $3,000 in bank accounts, retirement accounts, or investments. That means LIHEAP is not purely income-based.
Timing depends on urgency. Regular applications are processed within about 30 business days, while crisis cases are handled faster.
You apply through local contracted community action agencies. Find the one serving you on the Contracted Agencies list, or call 855-373-4636. Pair LIHEAP with weatherization to lower future bills, and dial 2-1-1 for other local utility funds.
Phone 1-855-373-4636
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Income-based; low-income Missouri households may qualify, and you first apply for Energy Assistance before ECIP
- ECIP requires a crisis such as a disconnect or termination notice or a fuel tank below 20 percent; Winter ECIP runs November through May and Summer ECIP runs June through September, based on funding
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply at mydss.mo.gov, or call 855-373-4636 to find your local community action agency.
- 2
Confirm you meet the income guidelines and have $3,000 or less in bank, retirement, and investment accounts.
- 3
For an emergency, name the crisis trigger (shut-off notice, low fuel) for faster handling.
- 4
Ask about weatherization at the same agency.
What to have ready
- A recent utility bill and any disconnection notice
- Proof of income for household members
- ID and proof of address. Your agency confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
What does Missouri LIHEAP cover?
A one-time Energy Assistance payment toward heating or cooling, plus Energy Crisis Intervention (ECIP) for emergencies: up to $800 in winter and $300 in summer.
Does it help with summer cooling?
Yes. Summer ECIP runs June through September for cooling crises, with a maximum benefit of $300.
Is there an asset test?
Yes. You can have no more than $3,000 in bank accounts, retirement accounts, or investments, on top of the income guidelines.
How do I apply?
Through a local community action agency. Apply at mydss.mo.gov or call 855-373-4636 to find yours.
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