Financial help available for families facing COVID-19 hardship

January 20, 2021

Energy assistance dollars are still available for families in northeast Missouri who are experiencing financial strain due to the coronavirus pandemic. The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services, has funds available. Ameren Missouri is also offering payment agreements and working with customers to avoid disconnection.:

Federal assistance program: Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) Federal assistance is available through LIHEAP, administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services. Ameren Missouri works with contracted community action agencies to distribute LIHEAP funds. Some LIHEAP agencies report an abundance of funding available, but a decrease in application volume. LIHEAP can help in two ways; through a one-time payment for a heating bill from November through March, or through the winter Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). ECIP helps pay up to $800 toward fuel bills when a household’s energy is shut off or at risk of disconnection. For detailsvisit AmerenMissouri.com/LIHEAP. Contact your local Community Action Agency; or Call 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636); Apply via a new online portal at MyDSS.MO.gov/energy-assistance.Ameren Missouri encourages customers to utilize LIHEAP funds to get current on their energy statement, then enroll in the company's Keeping Current program to help stay on track.

Keeping Current: Ameren Missouri's Keeping Current program makes customer energy bills more affordable by offering monthly bill credits and a reduction in past-due balances. When qualifying customers remain enrolled in the program and stay current on their bills, they continue to receive ongoing credits along with reductions in the total amount owed. Keeping Current is administered by contracted community action agencies. To apply, contact your local agency. Payment Agreements Customers who owe for past due service have the opportunity to make a payment arrangement with Ameren Missouri to avoid disconnection. The Deferred Payment Agreement is a long-term installment payment option. It offers more time to pay a balance for customers who have active accountsThe online payment assistance tool provides eligible payment assistance options based on a customer's account status. Learn more atAmerenMissouri.com.

Complete list of energy assistance programs, at AmerenMissouri.com/energyassistance.