NECAC Utility Assistance Extended

The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) is again accepting applications for utility assistance after the deadline was extended due to the coronavirus outbreak.

   The deadline to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Missouri normally is March 31, but the state has extended it to May 31 because of COVID-19. NECAC and other non-profits contract with the state to administer the federally-funded program at the local level.

   “We know that a lot of people have utility bills that are racking up,” said NECAC County Services Programs Director Linda Fritz. “We hope this extension allows people the resources to pay their utility bills and be able to afford other household needs.”

   Missouri families are facing many challenges to cope with the virus outbreak. Job losses, reduced hours of employment and other economic factors have placed a strain on everyone, but particularly those who have difficulty making ends meet.

   “Some people and families may not have qualified in the past, but now do because of a loss of employment or other change in their lives,” Fritz said. “We urge people to sign up as soon as they can.”

  LIHEAP can pay part of the energy bills of income-qualifying people. Eligible households could receive a minimum of $47 up to a maximum of $495, depending upon income, household size and type of heating source. Payments are made directly to utility companies.

   One other program that’s available is the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). It offers assistance of up to $800 to qualifying households of those who have received a utility shut-off notice. Because most utility companies are not shutting off clients during the COVID-19 pandemic, that program likely will not be used as much.

   When applying for LIHEAP, clients should keep in mind that NECAC has social distancing rules in effect. NECAC County Service Centers remain open for business, but the doors are locked to reduce traffic. Here’s how you can apply:

   Go online to www.necac.org and click on the energy assistance tab in the center of the screen. Complete the application online, print off and then mail it to your county’s NECAC Service Center. Be sure to include required documents such as copies of Social Security cards for everyone in your household, and copies of your utility bills (gas & electric). People without computer access may request a mailed application. Call the NECAC Lewis County Service Center, 408 S. Fourth in Canton, at 573-288-3969.

This Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) project/program is funded at 100% at $1,363,610 with federal funds received from the U.S. Department of Health, and Human Services (HHS) provided by the Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Services Division.”