Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Missouri

Last updated: September 2025

This hub is built for speed. Every section starts with the one thing to do first, then your backup plan. All links are descriptive and take you straight to the right page or phone number.

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If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take

• Call your electric or gas company now and set a payment plan under Missouri’s protections. For Ameren Missouri, call 1-800-552-7583 and ask about “Keeping Current/Keeping Cool” credits while you arrange payments with an agent; for Spire, call 1-800-887-4173 (East MO) or 1-800-582-1234 (West MO) and mention a “medical emergency hold” if applicable; for Evergy Missouri, call 1-888-471-5275 and ask for a shutoff prevention plan that follows the Cold Weather Rule or Hot Weather Law. Use the Missouri PSC’s contact list to find your exact utility’s number via the italic link inside the paragraph: Missouri Utility Providers Contact Information, Ameren Missouri – Contact Us, Spire – Cold Weather & Assistance, Evergy – Financial Help. (psc.mo.gov)
• Apply for LIHEAP crisis help today. Submit your Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) application online or to your local agency, and upload your disconnect notice, last 30 days of income, and utility bill; Winter ECIP can pay up to $800andSummerECIPupto$300 in 2025. Use these italic links to apply and see amounts: Missouri LIHEAP (myDSS), LIHEAP crisis timeline and Spanish info, LIHEAP Clearinghouse Missouri profile. (mydss.mo.gov)
• If a shutoff is scheduled and heat or cold is extreme, ask for protection and call the PSC Hotline 1-800-392-4211. Missouri’s Hot Weather Law blocks disconnections when the forecast is above 95°F or heat index above 105°F; the Cold Weather Rule protects during freezing conditions. Learn and cite the rules when you call. See: PSC Hot Weather Law – June 1 to Sept 30, PSC Cold Weather Rule brochure, Cold Weather Rule overview. (psc.mo.gov)

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Quick Help Box — Keep These 5 Contacts Handy

• DSS Family Support Division Info Line: 1-855-373-4636. Status checks, application questions, and local office finder. Use: myDSS Contact Map, LIHEAP (apply/verify), Verify Documents & Upload Portal. (dss.mo.gov)
• Missouri PSC Consumer Hotline: 1-800-392-4211. For shutoff disputes, payment plan problems, or to report rule violations. See:PSC Utility Providers Contact list, Cold Weather Rule, Hot Weather Law details. (psc.mo.gov)
• United Way 211 (statewide referral): Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-427-4626 for nearest agency appointments and in-person events. Try: 211 Helps (MO/IL), United Way 211 Utilities category, KY3 overview of 211 in MO. (unitedwaycemo.org)
• Utility companies—fast paths: Ameren 1-800-552-7583; Spire Eastern 1-800-887-4173 / Western 1-800-582-1234; Evergy 1-888-471-5275; Missouri American Water 1-866-430-0820. See: PSC Utility Contacts, Ameren Missouri – Contact, Missouri American Water Payment Help. (psc.mo.gov)
• Appeals (if denied): Missouri DSS Benefit Hearings Unit; request within 90 days of the notice. Start here: Benefit Hearings (DLS), Hearing info & regional phone lines, Time limits policy (Jan 23, 2025). (dss.mo.gov)

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How to Stop a Utility Shutoff in Missouri Today

First action to take: Call your utility’s payment assistance line and ask for a “payment arrangement” under state rules. Reference the Cold Weather Rule during Nov 1–Mar 31, and the Hot Weather Law during Jun 1–Sep 30, and ask the agent to note that you’re applying for LIHEAP crisis help today. Use these links while you’re on the phone: PSC Cold Weather Rule guide, Hot Weather Law protections, LIHEAP ECIP apply. (psc.mo.gov)

• If you have a medical condition that would be aggravated by shutoff, tell the agent; Missouri allows a medical delay of up to 21 days with documentation. Have your provider complete the company’s form. See: Spire Medical Emergency program, Shutoff medical delay regulation (20 CSR 4240-13.050), PSC Consumer Hotline 1-800-392-4211. (spireenergy.com)
• If the forecast triggers protections, say it: disconnections must pause when forecasts drop below 32°F (winter) or exceed 95°F heat/105°F heat index (summer). Confirm the 24–72 hour forecast rule window that applies when you call. Learn more: Cold Weather Rule brochure, Hot Weather Law details, PSC press release (May 20, 2025). (psc.mo.gov)
• While on the call, ask the agent to flag your account with your LIHEAP application case number or “pending agency pledge,” and request a 3–7 day hold for processing. Then submit LIHEAP immediately with your disconnect notice. Use: LIHEAP application (English/Spanish) + send docs, Verify/upload docs to FSD, Find your local LIHEAP agency. (formsportal.mo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call the PSC Consumer Services Hotline at 1-800-392-4211 and report the issue, then call 211 to locate a same-day community agency that can pledge funds. Use: PSC Hotline/contacts, United Way 211 utilities page, Ameren energy assistance events/news. (psc.mo.gov)

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Missouri LIHEAP (energy bill help): Eligibility, Amounts, and How to Apply

First action to take: Apply for LIHEAP right away; crisis (ECIP) can post faster if you already have Energy Assistance (EA) on file. Winter ECIP is open November–May, up to $800;SummerECIPisJune–September,upto$300 in 2025. Start here: LIHEAP – myDSS, ECIP/EA dates & Spanish page, Benefit amounts (Clearinghouse). (mydss.mo.gov)

• For the regular LIHEAP heating grant (EA), FY2025 benefits range from $153to$495 depending on your main fuel and region; Missouri sets income at up to 60% of State Median Income, and there’s a $3,000assetlimit.Learnmore:\ast [Missouriprofile–LIHEAPClearinghouse](https://liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/profiles/Missouri.htm)\ast ,\ast [Incomeeligibility(60$3,000 (Jan 2025)](https://liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/tables/assets.htm)*. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
• Application timing matters: seniors/disabled can apply starting October 1; all others November 1; last day for EA is usually May 31; ECIP runs on the winter/summer windows. Expect about 30 business days for non-crisis processing after you submit complete documents. See: State application timing sheet, OACAC LIHEAP dates, myDSS processing timeframe. (formsportal.mo.gov)
• Required documents you’ll likely need: photo ID, Social Security numbers, proof of last 30 days’ income for adults, your main heating bill and any electric bill, and any disconnect notice for ECIP. Submit these via the upload portal or to your local contracted agency. Use: myDSS Verify & Upload, Kansas City MAAC checklist, Spanish LIHEAP instructions. (mydss.mo.gov)

Quick Table: Missouri LIHEAP at a Glance (FY2025)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask a community action agency to enter an emergency pledge while your case is pending, then call your utility to request a short hold. Try: Find your Community Action Agency, Ameren Energy Assistance – Agency Resources, United Way 211 (MO/IL) referrals. (communityaction.org)

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Water and Sewer Bill Help in Missouri

First action to take: Call your water utility to set a payment plan and ask about any current relief funds; some cities and companies have 2025 programs separate from past federal LIHWAP funding. Start with: Missouri American Water – H2O Help to Others, KC Water Financial Assistance resources, St. Louis City Water Division – customer service. (amwater.com)

• St. Louis City launched a 2025 Water Utility Assistance Program offering a one-time credit up to $500 for qualifying residents who enroll in a repayment plan; applications opened August 20, 2025. Learn more here: City of St. Louis Water Division page, St. Louis Public Radio report, KRPS news brief on program. (stlouis-mo.gov)
• Missouri American Water’s H2O Help to Others is active and administered through Community Action partners; call 1-866-430-0820 or contact your local agency if you have a disconnect notice. See: Missouri American Water – Payment Assistance, JFCAC H2O Help page (how to qualify), Dollar Energy Fund – Agency Finder. (amwater.com)
• Kansas City customers can get in-house payment arrangements, and may be referred through Mid-America Assistance Coalition (MAAC); call 311 (816-513-1313) option 1 to start. Explore: KC Water – assistance options, KC Water + Evergy + Spire events, MAAC LIHEAP info. (kcwater.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 211 for a referral to a charity partner (like Catholic Charities or a Community Action agency) that can make a one-time water pledge, and request a shutoff hold from your water utility while funds are “pending.” Use: United Way 211 utilities category, Community Action – get help, St. Louis City Water – contact & payment info. (211unitedway.org)

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Utility Company Programs You Can Stack With LIHEAP

First action to take: Ask your utility about its in-house credits and forgiveness, then apply via an approved agency the same day.

• Ameren Missouri: Keeping Current provides $35–$90 monthly bill credits for 12 months and can forgive past-due balances with on-time payments; Keeping Cool provides $50monthlycreditsMay–Septemberforseniors,householdswithkidsunder5,orwithadocumentedmedicalcondition.AlsocheckDollarMore(upto$600/year) and veterans-specific help. See: Keeping Current, Keeping Cool, Dollar More. As of June–July 2025, Ameren increased funding for these programs and highlighted additional relief options. See: Ameren July 7, 2025 release, Ameren energy assistance hub, Energy Assistance overview (income chart). (ameren.com)
• Spire (natural gas): DollarHelp grants are administered with United Way partners; Spire also offers a medical emergency delay program (up to 21 days) and payment plans. Use: About DollarHelp, DollarHelp overview, Spire Medical Emergency form. (ourstory.spireenergy.com)
• Evergy (electric): Economic Relief Pilot Program offers up to $65/month for up to 12 months for income-eligible Missouri customers (screened by The Salvation Army); Evergy Connect (1710 Paseo, KC) provides in-person application support. Start here: Evergy ERPP, Evergy news – assistance reminder, Evergy financial help page. (evergy.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your agency to enter a pledge to the utility while they process your LIHEAP. Then ask the utility for a short hold and a budget billing plan. Use: Ameren Agency Resources, PSC Utility Contacts list, United Way 211 (referrals). (ameren.com)

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Missouri Shutoff Protections You Can Invoke

First action to take: Quote the rule that applies today and ask for a payment plan under that rule.

• Cold Weather Rule (Nov 1–Mar 31): no shutoffs when the 24-hour forecast is below 32°F, 12‑month payment arrangements, extra notices, and reconnection for less than full balance; registered elderly/disabled customers may pay at least 50% of the actual bill during protected days. Use: Cold Weather Rule brochure, PSC overview page, Legal Services MO summary. (psc.mo.gov)
• Hot Weather Law (Jun 1–Sep 30): disconnections are blocked when forecasts exceed 95°F or heat index 105°F, 6 a.m.–9 p.m. rolling 24 hours. Cite the law and ask for a hold. See: PSC Hot Weather Law press release (May 20, 2025), Hot Weather Law info page, PSC Consumer Hotline & contacts. (psc.mo.gov)
• Medical emergency postponement: utilities must postpone a shutoff up to 21 days if disconnection would aggravate a medical condition; ask your doctor to complete the form and send it to the utility. Start here: Spire medical emergency form, Missouri rule 20 CSR 4240-13.050, Cold Weather Rule brochure (medical & notices). (spireenergy.com)

Table: Shutoff Protection Summary

What to do if this doesn’t work: File a PSC complaint and request intervention, then ask the utility’s supervisor for a same-day review while you’re on the phone. Use: PSC Hotline 1-800-392-4211, PSC Cold Weather Rule fact sheet, United Way 211. (psc.mo.gov)

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Weatherization (cut your bill long-term)

First action to take: Apply for the Missouri Weatherization Assistance Program through your local Community Action Agency; it can repair/replace unsafe furnaces and add insulation and air sealing. Use: Missouri DNR – Weatherization, Local Weatherization Agencies lookup, State Weatherization Plan FY2025. (dnr.mo.gov)

• Weatherization is free if you qualify and can save about $370/year on average while fixing safety issues. Learn more: DNR Residential Assistance facts, Missouri Community Action Network – Weatherization Works, Energy financial assistance options (DNR). (dnr.mo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your electric or gas utility for weatherization referrals and rebates while you wait. Try: Ameren Weatherization & rebates, Spire energy efficiency resources, PSC – Energy Assistance resources. (ameren.com)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting an incomplete LIHEAP application: Missing Social Security numbers, income proofs, or the actual utility bill can delay for weeks. Always upload clear images of all pages. Use: myDSS Verify & Upload, LIHEAP application (how/where), MAAC LIHEAP checklist. (mydss.mo.gov)
• Assuming city utilities follow PSC rules: Some municipal utilities and co-ops are not PSC‑regulated; CWR/Hot Weather Law may not apply. Always ask your utility and then ask for internal hardship plans. Learn more: PSC CWR page (jurisdiction notes), PSC Utility Contacts, Legal Services MO CWR explainer. (psc.mo.gov)
• Waiting for perfect weather to call: Holds are often granted only when the forecast triggers the rule; ask for a short hold while you apply for LIHEAP. Use: Hot Weather Law explainer, Cold Weather Rule brochure, LIHEAP – myDSS. (psc.mo.gov)

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“Reality Check” – What to Expect This Year

• Funding fluctuates: LIHEAP and utility charity funds are first-come, first-served. Apply early in each window and call to confirm current availability before you spend time pulling documents. Use: LIHEAP (myDSS) – dates/amounts, LIHEAP benefits table (FY2025), Ameren assistance funding updates (July 2025). (mydss.mo.gov)
• Processing time is not instant: Missouri says to expect about 30 business days for non-crisis cases; crisis can be faster after an agency pledge. Keep paying what you can to avoid higher deposits later. See: myDSS LIHEAP processing time, Ameren payment agreements, PSC Consumer Hotline. (mydss.mo.gov)
• Extreme weather protections help, but not forever: Protections pause shutoffs during certain forecasts; payment plans still matter. See: PSC Hot Weather Law, Cold Weather Rule brochure, Justia summary of 21‑day medical delay. (psc.mo.gov)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

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Application Checklist (print/screenshot-friendly)

• Photo ID for you and SSNs for all household members; if someone lacks SSN, ask the agency about alternatives. Use: LIHEAP app instructions, myDSS Verify & Upload, United Way 211 help with documents. (formsportal.mo.gov)
• Proof of income for the last 30 days for adults (pay stubs, award letters, unemployment, etc.). Use: myDSS Verify, MAAC checklist (KC region), LIHEAP app – doc list. (mydss.mo.gov)
• Your current utility bills (electric + your main heat) and any disconnect notice for ECIP. Use: LIHEAP (myDSS), PSC rules & rights, Ameren payment help. (mydss.mo.gov)
• If renting, landlord permission may be needed for some weatherization measures. Use: DNR Weatherization program, Local agencies lookup, Missouri CAN – find help. (dnr.mo.gov)

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If Your LIHEAP Application Gets Denied

First action to take: Read the denial letter and request a hearing within 90 days if you believe the decision is wrong. You can also appeal delays. Start here: Benefit Hearings – DLS, Hearing information & phone lines, Time limits policy (Jan 23, 2025). (dss.mo.gov)

• Before you file, ask the local agency to reopen if a missing document caused the denial. Upload the missing proof the same day and note “Reconsideration requested” in your message. Use: myDSS Verify/Upload, DSS Contact Map (find office), LIHEAP app (what to send). (mydss.mo.gov)
• If you need legal advice, contact your local Legal Aid. While you wait, ask your utility and agency for a short-term pledge and payment plan to prevent shutoff. Use: PSC Consumer Hotline, United Way 211, Ameren Agency Resources. (psc.mo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Go ahead with the hearing request; decisions are mailed and can be appealed again if needed. Keep copies of all documents and screenshots of your uploads. Use: DLS Hearings – what to expect, DSS Hearings contact page, DSS Hotlines & TTY. (dss.mo.gov)

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Resources by Region (who to call first)

• St. Louis City & County: Start with Ameren programs plus Heat Up/Cool Down St. Louis, and the City Water Division’s 2025 credit program. Try: Ameren assistance hub, Heat Up/Cool Down St. Louis, St. Louis City Water – assistance/news. (ameren.com)
• Kansas City metro (Jackson/Clay/Platte): Visit Evergy Connect for in-person help; KC Water can set payment arrangements; MAAC processes many LIHEAP cases locally. Use: Evergy Connect & in-person help, KC Water assistance, MAAC LIHEAP (KC). (evergy.com)
• Springfield & Southwest (Greene, Christian, Webster): OACAC handles LIHEAP/ECIP and weatherization; check Evergy or City Utilities for payment plans and efficiency programs. Start here: OACAC LIHEAP dates, DNR Weatherization – local agencies, PSC utility contact list. (oac.ac)
• Columbia/Jefferson City/Central MO: CMCA processes energy help; Ameren and Spire both offer payment programs. Use: CMCA energy assistance, Ameren assistance hub, Spire assistance. (dss.mo.gov)
• St. Joseph & Northwest MO: CAP St. Joe handles LIHEAP; Liberty (Empire District) and Evergy serve many customers. Use: CAP St. Joe contact via MO CAN, PSC utility contacts, LIHEAP (apply). (communityaction.org)
• Bootheel & Southeast MO: DAEOC supports multiple counties with LIHEAP and weatherization; check St. Francis/Cape/Jackson water and electric providers for payment plans. Start here: MO CAN agency map, DNR Weatherization agencies, PSC utility contacts. (communityaction.org)

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Local Organizations, Charities, Churches and Support Groups

• Heat Up/Cool Down St. Louis helps seniors, disabled adults, and struggling families with energy pledges and AC distribution events; call 1-314-241-0001 for help during extreme heat. See: Heat Up St. Louis – Get Help, City of St. Louis Hot Weather page, Ameren partnership news. (heatupstlouis.org)
• United Way 211 provides live referrals statewide to agencies that can pledge to utilities (including Dollar More/DollarHelp partners). Use: 211 Missouri & Illinois, Utilities category – 211, KY3 coverage of 211 in MO. (unitedwaycemo.org)
• Community Action Agencies serve every county and run LIHEAP and Weatherization locally; start here to find yours and ask about water and rent referrals. Try: Find Your Agency (MO CAN), Get Help – MO CAN, DNR Weatherization – residential assistance. (communityaction.org)

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Diverse Communities

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask for privacy accommodations and confirm your name on accounts matches your documents; utilities can note preferred names while using legal names for billing. For in-person support and referrals, dial 2-1-1 and ask for agencies with affirming services; cite the Cold Weather Rule/Hot Weather Law to get a hold while staff help you apply. Try: United Way 211, PSC Cold Weather Rule, LIHEAP – myDSS. (unitedwaycemo.org)

Single mothers with disabilities or caring for a disabled child: Ask for a 21-day medical delay to stop an immediate shutoff while you apply for crisis aid; tell the utility you will submit the medical form the same day. Then ask about Ameren’s “medical hardship” note or Spire’s medical emergency program. Use: Medical delay rule, Spire – medical emergency form, Ameren health & safety resources. (regulations.justia.com)

Veteran single mothers: Ask about utility veteran grants on top of LIHEAP; Ameren’s Veterans Energy Assistance can provide up to $600 when past due. For broader help, contact the Missouri Veterans Commission and ask for emergency aid referrals. Start here: Ameren veterans assistance (211 to apply), United Way 211 (veteran filters), LIHEAP – apply. (ameren.mediaroom.com)

Immigrant/refugee single moms: LIHEAP requires that household members be U.S. citizens or lawfully present; if some members are not, ask your agency about mixed-status households and which income counts. Ask for an interpreter at hearings or agency meetings. Use: LIHEAP eligibility basics (HHS/OCS), myDSS Hearings – interpreter help, myDSS LIHEAP (docs & upload). (acf.hhs.gov)

Tribal citizens: If you’re a Tribal citizen living in Missouri, you may still use state LIHEAP or, if applicable, your Tribe’s LIHEAP if you reside in their service area; ask your agency to check both options. For broader energy help and weatherization, use Missouri programs while confirming any Tribal resources. Start with: LIHEAP – myDSS, DNR Weatherization, PSC Consumer Hotline. (mydss.mo.gov)

Rural single moms with limited access: Ask for phone-based application help and mail/fax options; request “hold for pending pledge” from utilities since in-person slots may be far. Use: DSS Contact Map (find local office), myDSS Verify & Upload, PSC utility contacts list. (dss.mo.gov)

Single fathers caring for children: The same rules and protections apply; ask for CWR payment plans, ECIP crisis help, and utility credits. Use: LIHEAP – myDSS, PSC CWR page, United Way 211. (mydss.mo.gov)

Language access & accessibility: Ask for interpreter services or TTY/Relay (Dial 711) when calling state agencies or utilities; large‑print versions and accessible PDFs can be requested. Use: DSS Hearings – interpreter help, PSC contact page with TTY info, myDSS Upload (mobile friendly). (dss.mo.gov)

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County-Specific Variations That Matter

• PSC protections don’t cover municipal utilities or rural electric co-ops; ask those providers for “equal payment plans,” “medical holds,” and in-house hardship funds even if CWR/Hot Weather Law doesn’t apply. Learn more: PSC CWR (jurisdiction), PSC utility contact list, Legal Services MO summary. (psc.mo.gov)
• St. Louis City Water added a 2025 one-time credit up to $500 tied to a repayment plan; apply through the City portal and call 1-314-771-2255 for questions. See: City Water Division, St. Louis Public Radio coverage, City Water account access. (stlouis-mo.gov)
• Kansas City Water partners with MAAC and community events to help households complete applications on-site; call 311 (816-513-1313) for arrangements. See: KC Water assistance, KC Water utility assistance event (2025), MAAC LIHEAP. (kcwater.us)

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Tables You Can Use

Program Snapshot for Missouri (2025)

Shutoff Rules – Fast Facts

LIHEAP Timeline 2025

Utility Company Contacts & Assistance

Community Action Agencies (examples)

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Real-World Examples

• A mother in St. Louis County got a $50/monthKeepingCoolcreditplusa$300 Summer ECIP credit to stop an electric disconnection, then spread her balance over 12 months under the Hot Weather Law. See: Keeping Cool details, Summer ECIP amounts, Hot Weather protections. (ameren.com)
• A mother in Independence used Spire’s medical emergency delay to get 21 extra days, then had a LIHEAP pledge entered at a Spire assistance event with partner agencies. Use: Spire medical emergency, Spire assistance events, LIHEAP – apply. (spireenergy.com)
• A mom in Kansas City set a KC Water payment arrangement and got a pledge through a MAAC partner agency contacted via 211. See: KC Water assistance, MAAC LIHEAP, 211 utilities directory. (kcwater.us)

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How to Find Your Local Office (and get an appointment)

First action to take: Use the state map to find your Family Support Division office and your Community Action Agency; many offer phone and upload options. Start here: DSS Contact Map, myDSS Verify & Upload, MO CAN – find your agency. (dss.mo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call the FSD Info Line at 1-855-373-4636 and ask to have an application mailed, or ask 211 to locate an in-person utility event this week. Use: DSS Info Line & help page, United Way 211, Evergy Connect in-person help. (dss.mo.gov)

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FAQs (Missouri-specific)

1. How to stop a shutoff today: Ask for a payment arrangement under CWR/Hot Weather Law, request a medical delay if applicable, and submit LIHEAP ECIP with your disconnect notice. See: CWR brochure, Hot Weather Law, LIHEAP crisis. (psc.mo.gov)
2. How much can LIHEAP pay right now: Heating EA is $153–$495; Winter ECIP up to $800;SummerECIPupto$300 (FY2025). Use: LIHEAP benefits table, Missouri profile (FY2025), myDSS LIHEAP. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
3. Who qualifies for LIHEAP: Up to 60% of State Median Income, responsible for home energy costs, assets ≤ $3,000, and citizenship/lawful presence requirements. See: Income eligibility (HHS/OCS), Missouri assets test, myDSS LIHEAP. (acf.hhs.gov)
4. How long does approval take: About 30 business days if not crisis; faster if an agency enters a pledge for ECIP. Keep paying something while you wait. See: myDSS timeframe, Ameren payment agreements, PSC hotline. (mydss.mo.gov)
5. Are there special protections in heat waves: Yes—no disconnections when forecast >95°F or HI>105°. Ask for a hold and set a plan. See: PSC Hot Weather Law, PSC press release (May 2025), PSC contact page. (psc.mo.gov)
6. What if my water is at risk: Ask for a payment plan and see if you’re eligible for H2O Help (Missouri American Water) or city programs like St. Louis City’s 2025 credit. Use: H2O Help, St. Louis City Water program, KC Water assistance. (amwater.com)
7. How do Ameren’s credits work: Keeping Current adds $35–$90/month credits when you make on-time payments and can forgive arrears; Keeping Cool adds $50/month May–Sep for eligible households. See: Keeping Current, Keeping Cool, Ameren assistance news (July 2025). (ameren.com)
8. Can I get help if I’m not elderly or disabled: Yes. LIHEAP serves qualifying households with children too; Ameren, Spire, Evergy, and water utilities also have income-based programs. Use: LIHEAP – myDSS, Evergy ERPP, Spire DollarHelp. (mydss.mo.gov)
9. I rent and utilities are in my landlord’s name: You can still apply if you pay utilities in your rent; ask your agency how to document that, and request landlord permission for weatherization. Start here: LIHEAP – myDSS, DNR Weatherization, Local Weatherization Agencies. (mydss.mo.gov)
10. How do I complain if a utility breaks the rules: Call PSC at 1-800-392-4211 and file a complaint; ask for a supervisor review the same day. See: PSC Utility Contacts, Cold Weather Rule brochure, Hot Weather Law page. (psc.mo.gov)

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Spanish Summary / Resumen en Español

Este resumen fue producido con herramientas de traducción de IA. Para ayuda rápida y oficial, use los enlaces del estado.

• Pida un plan de pagos y protección contra cortes: Mencione la Regla de Clima Frío (nov–mar) o la Ley de Clima Caliente (jun–sep). Vea: PSC – Regla de Clima Frío, PSC – Ley de Clima Caliente, PSC – Teléfono 1-800-392-4211. (psc.mo.gov)
• Solicite LIHEAP y ECIP: Invierta su solicitud y cargue sus documentos; ECIP de invierno puede ayudar hasta $800yveranohasta$300 en 2025. Vea: LIHEAP (myDSS), Solicitud en Español, Beneficios 2025. (mydss.mo.gov)
• Llame al 211 para citas cercanas: Le conectarán con agencias locales para promesas de pago y eventos en persona. Use: United Way 211, Directorio de utilidades – 211, Mapa de oficinas DSS. (unitedwaycemo.org)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• Missouri Department of Social Services – LIHEAP
• Missouri Public Service Commission – Consumer Protections
• LIHEAP Clearinghouse (ACF/HHS) – Missouri Profile & Benefit Tables
• Missouri Department of Natural Resources – Weatherization
• Ameren Missouri – Energy Assistance Programs
• Spire – DollarHelp & Medical Emergency
• Evergy – Financial Help & ERPP
• Missouri American Water – H2O Help to Others

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur – email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

This guide is for general information only and is not legal, financial, or case-specific advice. Program amounts, dates, and eligibility can change and may vary by county and funding availability. Always confirm current availability with the agency or utility before applying. Use the official pages linked throughout this guide for the most accurate instructions and updates.

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