BOWLING GREEN, Mo. â The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation is welcoming changes that will allow more low-income people to sign up for utility assistance. Gov. Mike Parson announced April 23 that the state is expanding eligibility for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program to households with incomes up to 135 percent of the federal poverty level to include those with an income of up to 60 percent of state median income. The change will now allow a family of four with an annual income of up to $51,021 to receive benefits. Previously, the qualifying income level was $35,364. âWe welcome this significant change in eligibility for the LIHEAP program,â said NECAC LIHEAP Supervisor Angela Kattenbraker. âThe COVID pandemic has kept more people at home the last year. Consequently, their utility bills often are higher. Expanding LIHEAP will give them an opportunity to use money they would have spent on utilities for other needs.â