NECAC is taking applications from the elderly and disabled for the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Energy Crisis Intervention Program in 12 Missouri counties. Applications for families and individuals will start Nov. 1. 

“Apply if you think you’ll need assistance,” said NECAC’s Angela Kattenbraker. “The cost of utilities is going up. We can help a lot of people with any fueling type.”

NECAC assisted 8,100 households with utility assistance last year, and expects the number to increase this winter due to inflation and escalating costs. 

LIHEAP offers a one-time payment to income-qualifying households depending upon the type of utility they use. The maximum benefit for tank propane heated homes is $495, $326 for natural gas and fuel oil, $318 for electricity, $219 for wood, $153 for kerosene and $177 for cylinder propane. 

ECIP may be used by income-qualifying households through September, 2025, with a maximum of up to $800 from Nov. 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 and $300 from June 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2025. Applicants must have received a shut-off notice. 

Applications are being accepted online or in person at NECAC Service Centers. The NECAC Center in Warren County is located at 120 E Main Street in Warrenton. 

The monthly income limit for a one person household is $2,535. For a four-person residence  , it’s $4,875. Additional income limits for other family sizes are available upon request. 

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is distributed through the Missouri Department of Social Services, which then contracts with NECAC and other community action agencies in Missouri to administer the service. Payments are sent directly to utility companies. 

More information is available at www.necac.org or by calling 573-324-0120. The Warren County office can be reached at 636-456-8191.