KIRKSVILLE, MO -- With record low temperatures griping much of the nation, folks right here in the heartland may be in need of a little heating assistance.

One option for heating help is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). You can apply for either the one-time Energy assistance payment or the Energy crisis Intervention Program, which gives you up to $800 based on specific needs.

You do have a limited window to apply.

“For the energy assistance there is a program time frame from October first to March 31, for the one time payment to the state to the primary heating source.  The crisis component does run all year, so as long as someone has a termination notice or can document they’re under 20% in their propane tank, then we accept applications for the crisis component year-round,” said Mindy Garrett, Emergency Services Coordinator for the Northeast Missouri Community Action Agency.

Garrett says that they did receive less funding this year and estimates the crisis money to be available through January.  If it runs out there will be a waiting list.

This year the Northeast Missouri Community Action Agency has seen an increase in applications.

“We’ve seen an increase this year, whether it be new people who just haven’t heard about the LIHEAP Program,” noted Garrett.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is broken down in two parts.

“The energy assistance is a one-time payment from the state.  It goes directly to the primary heating source and you’re only eligible for that one time per calendar year.  For the crisis component part of the program…and there’s no need for energy disconnect on the energy assistance portion.  Now with the crisis intervention program, you have to have or display the need for a crisis. So, you’d either have to have 20% low on your propane tank or have a service terminated or a threat of termination,” explained Garrett.

Garrett is urging you to apply early.  The office will close for the holidays on December 23 and not open until January 3.

For a link to the application got to: www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/liheap.htm.

Contact the Northeast Missouri Community Action Agency for more help at 215 North Elson Street in Kirksville or call them at 660-665-9855.