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Help paying bills in Cherokee County, Kansas

Who to call for help with utility bills, rent, food and more in Cherokee County, with numbers checked against each agency's own site.

Call these first

Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) - LIEAPApply for energy assistance (LIHEAP). Say if you have a shutoff notice.
1-888-369-4777
Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEK-CAP, Inc.)Ask about emergency help with utilities, rent and other bills.
620-724-8204
Kansas DCF Columbus Service CenterApply for SNAP, Medicaid and cash help.
(620) 429-3014

What's open right now

Kansas energy assistance (LIEAP): 2026–27 dates haven't been announced yet; DCF says the start depends on federal funding. Last season ran January 20 to March 31, 2026. Call 1-888-369-4777 or check Kansas DCF. The Kansas Cold Weather Rule runs November 1 to March 31 for utilities the KCC regulates.

Offices usually ask for photo ID, your latest bill or shutoff notice, and proof of household income. Call first and ask what to bring.

Your utility companies

Check the company name on your bill. Many counties have more than one.

Electric

Liberty (Empire District Electric)Serves part of the county. State winter shutoff rules apply.Help programs: Project Help; LIEAP (800-432-0043); SEK-CAP referrals
800-206-2300 Bill help program
Heartland Rural Electric CooperativeServes part of the county. Electric co-op. Help programs: Payment & Billing
620-724-8251 Bill help program
EvergyServes part of the county. Kansas City area (Kansas Metro) customers: 1-888-471-5275. Use the number on your bill. State winter shutoff rules apply.Help programs: Financial Help (LIEAP referral, payment options); Evergy Connect in-person help
1-800-383-1183 Bill help program
Twin Valley Electric CooperativeServes part of the county. Electric co-op. Help programs: Payment Options
866-784-5500 Bill help program

Natural gas

Kansas Gas Service (ONE Gas)Serves Columbus, Baxter Springs; other towns may use a different company. State winter shutoff rules apply.Help programs: Share The Warmth (via The Salvation Army); LIEAP; payment arrangements
800-794-4780 Bill help program
Bill help line: 816-756-5392

Other local help

Food: Kansas Food Bank1919 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67211
316-265-3663 Website
Seniors: Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging1 West Ash, P.O. Box J, Chanute, KS 66720; toll-free 800-794-2440
620-431-2980 Website
Weatherization (lower heating and cooling costs): South Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) Weatherization1861 N Rock Rd, Ste 310, Wichita, KS 67206
(316) 262-7035 Website
Free legal help (eviction, debt): Kansas Legal Services - Pittsburg Office408 N. Walnut, P.O. Box 1509, Pittsburg, KS 66762
620-232-1330 Website
Health care (sliding fee): Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK)Site in county: Baxter Springs 620-856-2900; Columbus 620-429-2101
620-231-9873 Website

Checked October 25, 2026. Sources: each agency's own website, state community action list. Programs change, so confirm with the agency.

Got a shutoff notice?

Call your utility today, before the shutoff date. Ask for a payment plan and any winter or medical protections, and apply for energy help at the same time.

Make my shutoff plan

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