Emergency Assistance

Consumer Emergency Assistance

Consumer Emergency Assistance (CEA) funds are meant to help a consumer fix an emergency situation. However, the consumer must first apply their own resources towards the situation and exhaust other available resources. A consumer applying for CEA must be without resources to meet an emergency situation, or the situation must require more resources than a consumer has available to fix it.  This is a limited program, funds are limited and the need must be dire and all other avenues for help have been exhausted.

The fiscal year for this program runs from July – June.

Consumer Emergency Assistance Eligibility

• You must currently be a WILS consumer for the assistance
• Funding is only available once in a 12 month period
• Families must be experiencing or vulnerable to one or more of the following:
  • Homelessness
  • Termination of a utility; or
  • Lack of heat or water;
  • Lack of adequate food
• Bills must be in the consumer’s name

Funding for Consumer Emergency Assistance payments is capped. Applications received after available funds are depleted will be denied

Consumer household must not exceed the maximum income guidelines below.

Income Guidelines = 150% Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Additional Resources

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

If you are a current WILS consumer and would like further information please contact your WILS Consumer Directed Services or Independent Living Specialist.

WILS Cool

WILS Cool program is an effort to help our elderly and individuals with disabilities find refuge from the summer’s deadly heat with A/C assistance.

WILS Cool A/C Assistance Eligibility

• Applicant must reside in WILS service area of Benton, Henry, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis and Saline Counties in Missouri
• No age limits
• Have a disability
• Household Income Limit must be less than 150% of federal poverty level (see Income Guidelines table below)
• Medical verification that A/C is needed with a corresponding doctor’s statement

WILS’ units will not include a monetary gift to the consumer’s utility company.

Elder Cool

In conjunction with the Bishop Sullivan Center of Kansas City; WILS participates in Bishop Sullivan Centers annual Project Elder Cool in an effort to help our elderly and individuals with disabilities find refuge from the summer’s deadly heat.

Elder Cool Eligibility

• Be 65 years or older
• Have no air conditioner in the home
• Live under 150% of the poverty guidelines
• Have not received an air conditioner from WILS or the Bishop Sullivan Center in the last three years

Eligibility with a Respiratory Disability

• Receive disability due to a respiratory condition or have a disabling condition that is made worse by respiratory issues
• Have no air conditioner in the home
• Live under 150% of the poverty guidelines
• Have not received an air conditioner from WILS or the Bishop Sullivan Center within the past three years

If you meet the eligibility requirements, contact your nearest WILS office to apply. You must have the following documents when filling out an application:

• Picture ID
• Social Security Card for yourself and any other adults in the household
• Proof of income for all adults in the household such as check stubs, award letters, including your disability award letter
• Copy of your latest electric bill
• Letter from your doctor on their letterhead, stating you suffer from a respiratory disability or another disability made worse by respiratory issues. This letter must be dated within the past 30 days.

Income Guidelines = 150% Federal Poverty Level (FPL).