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Help paying bills in Douglas County, Kansas

Who to call for help with utility bills, rent, food and more in Douglas 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
East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation (ECKAN)Ask about emergency help with utilities, rent and other bills.
785-242-7450
Kansas DCF Lawrence Service CenterApply for SNAP, Medicaid and cash help.
(785) 832-3700

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

FreeState Electric CooperativeServes part of the county. Electric co-op. Help programs: Payment Assistance; High Bill Concern
785-478-3444 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
City of Baldwin City (municipal electric)City of Baldwin City only (town). City-owned utility: call your city hall (the number is on your bill). City utility.
City of Eudora (municipal electric)City of Eudora only (town). City-owned utility: call your city hall (the number is on your bill). City utility.

Natural gas

Black Hills Energy (Kansas gas)Serves Lawrence; other towns may use a different company. State winter shutoff rules apply.Help programs: Black Hills Cares; LIHEAP/LIEAP; payment arrangements; budget billing
888-890-5554 Bill help program

Other local help

Food: Harvesters - The Community Food NetworkKansas office: 1220 Timberedge Road, Lawrence, KS 66049; toll-free 877-353-6639; KC MO main (816) 929-3000
785-861-7700 Website
Seniors: Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging2910 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66612; toll-free 800-798-1366
785-235-1367 Website
Weatherization (lower heating and cooling costs): East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corp. (ECKAN) Weatherization1320 S. Ash St., Ottawa, KS 66067; toll-free (866) 242-7450
888-833-0832 Website
Free legal help (eviction, debt): Kansas Legal Services - Topeka Office712 S. Kansas Ave., Suite 201, Topeka, KS 66603
785-354-8531 Website
Health care (sliding fee): Heartland Community Health CenterSite in county: Lawrence, 1312 W. 6th Street
(785) 841-7297 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

More free help

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Open the app → All Kansas programsState energy help, shutoff rules, rent and food programs.
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