Missouri energy assistance programs — including the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — may help eligible households manage rising utility costs as seasonal temperatures shift. Ameren Missouri, one of the state's largest electric and gas utilities, is urging customers who are behind on bills or worried about shutoff to reach out for help now, before seasonal funding windows close. If you're an Ameren Missouri customer facing a high bill or a shutoff notice, this article walks you through exactly what to do and who to call.

Why Timing Matters Right Now

LIHEAP funding is not unlimited. Missouri receives a federal block grant each year, and those dollars are distributed through local agencies until they run out. When the heating season ends and the cooling season begins — or vice versa — there is often a brief window where both heating assistance and cooling assistance may be available simultaneously. That transition period, which typically falls in spring and again in early fall, is one of the best times to apply if you haven't already.

Ameren Missouri's public push to raise awareness about energy assistance is a signal that this window is open. Waiting even a few weeks can mean the difference between receiving help and being told funds are exhausted in your county.

What Is LIHEAP and Who May Be Eligible in Missouri?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program administered at the state level by the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) and delivered locally through a network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs). It is designed to help low-income households pay for home heating and cooling costs, and in some cases, to address energy-related home repairs or crisis situations like an imminent shutoff.

Income Guidelines

In Missouri, LIHEAP eligibility is generally available to households with income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Benefit amounts vary by household size, income level, fuel type, and available funding — no specific dollar amount can be guaranteed. Households receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), SSI, or certain other public benefits may be automatically income-eligible in some cases.

What LIHEAP May Cover

  • Heating assistance: Help paying a heating bill or purchasing heating fuel (natural gas, electric, propane, wood, or other sources)
  • Cooling assistance: Help with electric bills during summer months in eligible counties
  • Crisis assistance: Emergency help for households facing shutoff, an empty fuel tank, or a broken heating/cooling system — this is a separate, faster-moving fund

How to Apply for LIHEAP in Missouri

Do not call Ameren Missouri to apply for LIHEAP. The utility company does not administer this program. Instead, contact your local Community Action Agency (CAA).

Step-by-Step: Applying Through a Missouri CAA

  1. Find your local CAA: Visit the Missouri Association for Community Action (MACA) website or call 211 (Missouri's statewide social services helpline, available 24/7) and say you need help with your energy bill. The 211 operator will connect you to the right local agency.
  1. Call ahead or check for online applications: Many Missouri CAAs now offer phone or online intake to reduce wait times. Ask when you call whether an in-person appointment is required.
  1. Gather your documents before you call (see the full list below).
  1. Ask specifically about crisis assistance if you have a shutoff notice dated within the next 10–14 days. Crisis funds move faster than regular LIHEAP and may be processed within 24–48 hours in some counties.
  1. Follow up: If you don't hear back within 5 business days, call the agency again. Funds are limited and applications can sometimes be delayed.

Documents to Have Ready

  • Most recent Ameren Missouri utility bill (showing your account number and service address)
  • Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, unemployment determination, etc.) — typically covering the past 30 days
  • Photo ID for the applicant
  • Social Security numbers or documentation for all household members
  • Proof of address (the utility bill itself often satisfies this)
  • If renting, your landlord's name and contact information may be requested

Ameren Missouri's Own Assistance Programs

While you're waiting on a LIHEAP decision, Ameren Missouri offers several internal programs that may help prevent shutoff:

  • Budget Billing: Spreads your annual energy costs into equal monthly payments to avoid seasonal spikes
  • Payment Arrangements: Ameren may allow eligible customers to pay past-due balances over time — call the number on your bill and ask specifically about a payment plan
  • Ameren Missouri's Neighbor for Neighbor Energy Fund: A charitable fund administered through the Salvation Army that may provide one-time bill assistance to customers in crisis — contact your local Salvation Army branch or call Ameren's customer service line to ask about eligibility
  • Shutoff Protections: Missouri has cold weather rules that restrict utility shutoffs during certain months for households with elderly, disabled, or young children — ask Ameren's customer service team whether any protections apply to your account

To reach Ameren Missouri customer service, call the number printed on your utility bill or visit their official website. When you call, tell them you are experiencing financial hardship and ask what assistance options are available on your account.

If You Heat with Propane, Wood, or Another Fuel

LIHEAP in Missouri is not limited to electric and natural gas customers. If your household heats with propane, heating oil, wood, or another fuel source, you may still be eligible for assistance. Let your CAA know what type of fuel you use when you apply — the process and benefit type may differ slightly.

Don't Wait on Cooling Assistance Either

As temperatures rise, Missouri's LIHEAP cooling assistance funds — which help with electric bills during summer — open in many counties. These funds are typically smaller and deplete faster than heating funds. If summer is approaching and your household includes elderly members, young children, or someone with a medical condition affected by heat, ask your CAA specifically about cooling assistance and when that application window opens in your county.

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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.

Last reviewed: April 2026