Call these first
Missouri Valley Community Action Agency (MVCAA)Apply for energy assistance (LIHEAP). Say if you have a shutoff notice. Missouri DSS Family Support Division - Sedalia Resource CenterApply for SNAP, Medicaid and cash help.
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
EvergySedalia (county seat), Green Ridge, La Monte. State winter shutoff rules apply.Help programs: Financial help options; Evergy Connect walk-in help (Kansas City) Central Missouri Electric CooperativeHughesville, Dresden and rural. Electric co-op. State winter rules may not apply; ask about its own policy. Ameren MissouriSmithton. State winter shutoff rules apply.Help programs: Dollar More; Keeping Current; Keeping Cool; payment agreements; Medical Hardship extension Natural gas
Liberty (The Empire District Gas Company)Sedalia, Smithton, Dresden. State winter shutoff rules apply.Help programs: Project Help; Action to Support the Elderly; payment arrangements; medical extension Spire MissouriLa Monte, Houstonia, Hughesville. Spire East: 800-887-4173. Spire West: 800-582-1234. Use the number on your bill. State winter shutoff rules apply.Help programs: Missouri Customer Charge Waiver Program (apply via LIHEAP/community action agency); Budget Billing; medical emergency program Summit Natural Gas of MissouriGreen Ridge. State winter shutoff rules apply.Help programs: Cold Weather Program; Cold Weather Payment Plan (11 months); Special Friend Notification; short-term payment arrangement
Other local help
Food: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri2101 Vandiver Dr., Columbia, MO 65202; toll-free 800-746-3663 Seniors: Care Connection for Aging Services106 West Young, P.O. Box 1078, Warrensburg, MO 64093 Weatherization (lower heating and cooling costs): Missouri Valley Community Action Agency Free legal help (eviction, debt): Legal Aid of Western Missouri (Warrensburg office) Health care (sliding fee): Katy Trail Community HealthSites in county: Sedalia, Green Ridge
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
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.