Applications being accepted for heating assistance

As the winter months bring cooler temperatures, some low income families are placed in financial strain just to keep their homes heated.

Applications for heating are now being accepted to make sure no one is left in the cold.

The Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP helps families who are struggling financially to pay their utilities bill.

The program is busier than you might think, especially this time of year.

“A lot of people are living on fixed incomes. The elderly and disabled often have to make some tough decisions as to whether or not they;re gonna get groceries or take their medicine or pay their utility bills,” said Christine Lindsey with Central Missouri Community Action.

One woman told ABC 17 News winter is the most expensive time of the year for her.

“I have a disabled son and I had to go down to part-time, so I mean, I either pay my bill being paid or food on the table, you know?”

She has been getting assistance to more than 7,000 Mid-Missouri families every year by distributing more than a million dollars.

“This is just an opportunity to help them out so that they don’t go without heat,” said Lindsey.

There are specific requirements one has to meet to qualify for assistance.

The household income must be below 135% of poverty and it must have less than $3000 in resources.