Energy assistance dollars are still available for families in Central Missouri who get their electric and gas service from Ameren Missouri and are experiencing financial strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, 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.
"We are continuing to offer payment plans with more flexible terms than normal and doing everything we can to work with our customers during this challenging time," Tara Oglesby, vice president of customer experience at Ameren, said in a news release. "This includes working to ensure that families who are new to being in a low-income bracket are aware of what options are available."
Since March, Oglesby said, Ameren has provided nearly $12 million in energy assistance and charitable contributions.
"We are encouraged because families in Central Missouri are contacting us and our partner agencies every day for help, but we know thousands more are eligible for these funds and haven't applied," said Connie Taylor, manager of customer advocacy at Ameren Missouri. "When customers don't reach out, their balances keep growing and available assistance dollars go unused."
Ameren 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 helps pay up to $800 toward fuel bills when a household's energy is shut off or at risk of disconnection.
To be eligible for LIHEAP funds, customers must be responsible for paying home heating costs; have $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts or investments; have a household income less than 135 percent of the federal poverty level (a monthly income of $2,400 for a family of three or $2,897 for a family of four); and be a U.S. citizen or legally admitted for permanent residence.
There are several ways to apply for LIHEAP:
Contact your local Community Action Agency.
Call 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636) to request an application.
Apply via a new portal at MyDSS.MO.gov/energy-assistance.
For a complete list of Ameren's energy assistance programs, visit AmerenMissouri.com/energyassistance.