Missouri LIHEAP Income Limits for 2026–2027
From October 1, 2026, a one-person Missouri household can earn up to $2,942 a month and still meet LIHEAP’s income limit. Below: the limit for every household size, what the program pays, and where St. Louis renters apply.
Missouri raised its LIHEAP income limits on October 1, 2026, so a household that was over the limit last winter may qualify now. The one-person limit went from $2,840 to $2,942 a month, and every household size moved up. Some agency pages and benefit websites still show last year’s numbers, so go by the table below, not by an older flyer or website.
2026–2027 income limits
To qualify, your household’s monthly income must be at or below these amounts, which equal 60% of Missouri’s state median income (Missouri DSS benefit chart, as of 10/01/2026):
| Household size | Max monthly income (from Oct. 1, 2026) | Last year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,942 | $2,840 |
| 2 people | $3,847 | $3,714 |
| 3 people | $4,752 | $4,588 |
| 4 people | $5,657 | $5,461 |
| 5 people | $6,562 | $6,335 |
| 6 people | $7,467 | $7,209 |
| 7 people | $7,637 | $7,373 |
| 8 people | $7,806 | $7,537 |
The new limits follow the federal state-median-income estimates that HHS made mandatory for LIHEAP from October 1, 2026 (HHS LIHEAP IM 2026-01). For a larger household, ask your local agency for the limit.
The other eligibility rules
Income is not the only test. Missouri DSS also requires that you (DSS LIHEAP page):
- are responsible for paying the utilities for your home, including if you rent;
- are a Missouri resident;
- are a U.S. citizen or have been legally admitted for permanent residence;
- have $3,000 or less in bank, retirement and investment accounts.
What LIHEAP pays
- Energy Assistance: a one-time payment toward one fuel type for heating or cooling, October through May.
- Crisis help (ECIP): for situations such as a disconnection notice, a terminated account, a propane tank under 20%, or prepaid electric or another fuel about to run out. Up to $800 in winter (November–May) and up to $300 in summer (June–September), as long as funding lasts. October falls in neither crisis window; if you get a shutoff notice in October, call your agency, and see our rent and utility assistance guide for other help.
In most cases the payment goes to your utility company, not to you. If heat is included in your rent, Missouri instead pays you a one-time Energy Assistance payment of up to 8% of your yearly rent (no more than the regular maximum), and crisis (ECIP) help is not available to you. If you live in subsidized housing, you qualify only if you pay a utility company or your landlord bills you for heating or cooling (13 CSR 40-19.020). DSS reviews applications in about 30 business days (crisis cases move faster), so keep paying your utility bill in the meantime.
Where to apply in St. Louis
You can also download the application from the DSS LIHEAP page and submit it to your agency, or call 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636) to have one mailed. Bring proof of income for everyone in the household and your current utility bills. Our rent and utility assistance guide lists the documents CAASTLC asks for and the other St. Louis programs that help with rent and bills.