Energy assistance critical for many as extreme cold blankets area
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
As temperatures drop into the single digits overnight in Mid-Missouri, you may be turning up the thermostat in your home to stay warm, increasing your utility bill.
Families struggling to cover the cost of utility bills can possibly face utility disconnection which results in the loss of heat during the coldest time of the year.
Highs Thursday are expected to top out in the teens in Columbia and dip back into single-digits overnight. Friday's high won't reach the freezing mark and lows that night will dip into the teens. Wind chills have dropped into the single-digits.
The Central Missouri Community Action provides assistance through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. (LIHEAP) The program assists families with energy costs in the summer and winter months.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led the state to make some changes in the Energy Assistance Program. It is now easier to apply for the program. Before the pandemic families were able to receive up to $800 dollars in assistance, now that number has doubled to $1,600 for winter heating costs.
The energy assistance program is a one-time benefit based on your winter heating source, income and the number of family members in your household.
A crisis situation is required for Emergency Crisis Interview Program funding (ECIP). This program will provide up to $1,600 for a winter heating crisis and up to $1,200 for a summer cooling crisis.
The requirements to be eligible for either component are the same.
To receive help from the LIHEAP and ECIP programs those who apply must have an annual income at or below 135% of the established federal poverty level, which is set at $27,750.
Colita Harvey with Central Missouri Community Actions says "if you are on food stamps you only need to submit an application along with your bill. If you aren't on food stamps you need previous months' income, social security card and I.D, along with a copy of the bill with the completed application."
Once an application is submitted the time frame to process the application can take up to 30 days or less.
Harvey says, "we typically process those applications where they indicated where their services have been turned off first, then we start working on those who are due to be shut off then in the order they are received."
Harvey encourages those who do apply to not wait until the last minute and to allow processing time for your application.
You can apply for help at the link or call 573-443-1100.
