NECAC taking applications for utility assistance

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) is taking applications from the elderly and disabled for the federally-funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Energy Crisis Intervention Program in 12 Missouri counties.

The program is under way for applications from the elderly and disabled with applications for all others starting Nov. 1.

In a press release, NECAC’s Angela Kattenbraker said, “Apply if you think you’ll need assistance. The cost of utilities is going up. We can help a lot of people with any fueling type.”

NECAC assisted about 9,600 households with utility assistance last year and expects the number to increase this winter due to inflation and escalating costs.

LIHEAP offers a one-time payment to income-qualifying households depending upon the type of utility they use.

The maximum benefit for various types of heating is:

• tank propane-heated homes-$495.
• natural gas and fuel oil-$326
• electricity-$318,
• wood-$219
• kerosene-$153
• cylinder propane-$177.

ECIP may be used by income-qualifying households through September 2024, with a maximum of up to $800 from Nov. 1 to May 31 and $600 from June 1 to Sept. 30. Applicants must have received a shut-off notice.

Applications are being accepted online or in person at NECAC Service Centers. The monthly income limit for a one-person household is $2,535; for a four-person residence, the amount is $4,875. Additional amounts are available upon request.

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is distributed through the Missouri Department of Social Services, which then contracts with NECAC and other Community Action Agencies in Missouri to administer the service. Payments are sent directly to utility companies.

More information is available at www.necac.org, by calling 573-324-0120 or by contacting one of the following NECAC Service Centers:

• Lewis County: 408 S. Fourth  in Canton — 573-288-3969.
• Marion County: 3518 Palmyra Road in Hannibal — 573-221-7166.
• Monroe County: 314 N. Washington in Paris — 660-327-4110.
• Pike County: 805 Bus. Hwy. 61 North in Bowling Green — 573-324-2207.
• Ralls County: 411 Main in New London — 573-985-2411.
• Shelby County: 204 E. Third in Shelbyville — 573-633-2210.