Energy crisis intervention program extended

The Missouri Department of Social Services, in an effort to respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) services provide payment assistance for low-income Missourians with their summer cooling bills if they are in crisis.

There are some changes to the Summer Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Summer Low-Income Home Energy Assistance changes for this year include:

* Increased income level for Missourians to qualify up to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

* Maximum benefit is up to $600 per household.

* Deadline for assistance will now be until October 31, 2020.

* There is an on-line application that can be used to make application from smart phones, tablets, laptops or desktop computers.

To be eligible for the summer cooling program:

* Meet or be below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, and

* Must have a shut-off notice or services been terminated, and;

* Be responsible for paying home cooling bill, and

* Have less than $3,000 in bank accounts, retirement accounts or investments and

* Be a U.S. citizen or legally admitted for permanent residents.

ESC will continue to engage using mobile phones, social media (Facebook), website (www.escswa.org) or Energy Assistance’s direct email: mailto:liheap@escswa.org. If you need to reach any of the staff at these offices please use the following direct phone lines/email:

ESC Central Office in Joplin: Utility Assistance: 417-781-0352, select option 4 or liheap@escswa.org. Other ESC Office Locations in Southwest Missouri: ESC’s Neosho Office: 417-451-2206, ESC’s Anderson Office: 417-845-6011, ESC’s Lamar Office: 417-682-5591.