The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) is accepting applications from families and individuals for energy assistance.The application process for elderly and disabled clients began Nov. 1.So far, NECAC has received more than 4,200 requests for assistance throughout its 12-county service area, which includes Warren County.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 (DSS), which then contracts with nonprofit groups such as NECAC to administer the program at the local level.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 income, household size and type of heating source.Payments are made directly to utility companies and are never given to clients.Last year, NECAC was contracted by DSS to administer $1.1 million in energy assistance funding for the winter season, which runs through March 31. The agency will receive $1.2 million this year.NECAC is a social service, community health and public housing agency that operates and administers more than 60 programs for the low-income, elderly, youth, disabled and disadvantaged through contracts and grants with government agencies, private businesses and other non-profits.For more information, or to apply for assistance starting Dec. 1, call NECAC’s Warren County Service Center at 636-456-8191.NECAC