The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) is taking applications for winter utility assistance from qualifying families and individuals.

The program began Oct. 1 for senior citizens and disabled people and Nov. 3 for everyone else.

Eligibility for energy assistance is based upon income, the number of people per household and the type of heating source.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is distributed through the Missouri Department of Social Services to non-profit groups such as NECAC. The program assists with paying part of the energy bills of income-qualifying people. Eligible households could receive a minimum of $45 up to a maximum of $450, depending upon the type of heating source.

Applications will be accepted by mail and in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at NECAC Service Centers in each county.

“The need is greater than ever and it’s especially strong during the winter months,” said Linda Fritz, NECAC emergency services coordinator. “We urge people to take advantage of the assistance offered by this program,”

People who receive a utility shut-off notice also may qualify for assistance through the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). Each energy assistance qualifying household can get up to $800 to help prevent disconnection of their utilities.

The programs run through March 31. During the winter heating assistance season last year, NECAC served more than 4,000 households.

For more information, call or visit one of the following NECAC County Service Centers:

• Lewis County: 408 S. Fourth in Canton — 573-288-3969.
• Lincoln County: 11 Woodcrest Dr. in Troy — 636-528-7604.
• Macon County: 907 Highway PP in Macon — 660-385-4616.
• Marion County: 3518 Palmyra Road in Hannibal — 573-221-7166.
• Monroe County: 314 N. Washington in Paris — 660-327-4110.
• Montgomery County: 137 Farnen in Montgomery City — 573-564-3606.
• Pike County: 805 Bus. Hwy. 61 North in Bowling Green — 573-324-2207.
• Ralls County: 411 Main in New London –  573-985-2411.
• Randolph County: 1903 N. Morley, Suite B, in Moberly — 660-263-6595.
• Shelby County: 204 E. Third in Shelbyville — 573-633-2210.
• St. Charles County: 3400 Meadow Pointe Drive in O’Fallon — 636-272-3477
• Warren County: 120 E. Main in Warrenton — 636-456-8191