Bill Help Now Full guide

Home › Missouri › Counties › Boone County

Help paying bills in Boone County, Missouri

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

Call these first

Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA)Apply for energy assistance (LIHEAP). Say if you have a shutoff notice.
(573) 200-6655
Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA)Ask about emergency help with utilities, rent and other bills.
(573) 443-1100 ext. 1916
Missouri DSS Family Support Division - Columbia Resource CenterApply for SNAP, Medicaid and cash help.
855-373-4636

What's open right now

Missouri energy assistance: regular help runs October through May, and winter crisis help (ECIP, up to $800) runs November through May while funds last. Apply at dss.mo.gov, through your local agency below, or call 855-373-4636. The Cold Weather Rule runs November 1 to March 31.

Offices usually ask for photo ID, your latest bill or shutoff notice, and proof of household income. Missouri's list: documents DSS may ask for.

Your utility companies

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

Electric

City of Columbia Utilities (Water & Light)Columbia (largest city). City utility. State winter rules may not apply; ask about its own policy.Help programs: Payment arrangement; Budget Billing; income-qualifying programs
573.874.7380 Bill help program
Bill help line: 573.817.6430
Ameren MissouriAshland, Hallsville, Sturgeon, Hartsburg. State winter shutoff rules apply.Help programs: Dollar More; Keeping Current; Keeping Cool; payment agreements; Medical Hardship extension
1-800-552-7583 Bill help program
Boone Electric CooperativeRural areas and small towns (Rocheport, Harrisburg, etc.). Electric co-op. State winter rules may not apply; ask about its own policy.
573-449-4181

Natural gas

Ameren Missouri (natural gas)Columbia, Centralia, Ashland and others. State winter shutoff rules apply.Help programs: Dollar More; Keeping Current; payment agreements
1-800-552-7583 Bill help program

Water

City of Columbia Utilities (Water & Light)Columbia (county seat). City utility. State winter rules may not apply; ask about its own policy.Help programs: Payment arrangement; Budget Billing; income-qualifying programs
573.874.7380 Bill help program
Bill help line: 573.817.6430

Other local help

Food: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri2101 Vandiver Dr., Columbia, MO 65202; toll-free 800-746-3663
573-474-1020 Website
Seniors: Aging Best201 W. Broadway, Ste. 1E, Columbia, MO 65203
573-443-5823 Website
Weatherization (lower heating and cooling costs): Central Missouri Community Action
573-443-3500 Website
Free legal help (eviction, debt): Mid-Missouri Legal Services
573-442-0116 Website
Health care (sliding fee): Compass Health NetworkSites in county: Columbia
844-853-8937 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

Which bills should I pay first?Four questions, 60 seconds, your own plan.
Take the quiz → The free bill appTrack bills, get call scripts and hardship letters, and plan $50-a-week dinners. No account.
Open the app → All Missouri programsState energy help, shutoff rules, rent and food programs.
See Missouri help →

Watch for scams. Real help programs never charge a fee to apply, and no real program asks for gift cards, crypto or your login. Need local help now? Dial 211. In crisis, call or text 988.

Bill Help Now is a free guide, not a government agency. Programs decide who qualifies. Found a wrong number? Email help@billhelpnow.com and we'll fix it.