Help Paying Bills in Ray County, Missouri

Call these first

Missouri Valley Community Action Agency (MVCAA)Apply for energy assistance (LIHEAP). Say if you have a shutoff notice.

(660) 886-7476

Missouri DSS Family Support Division - Richmond 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

EvergyRichmond (county seat), Orrick, Hardin. State winter shutoff rules apply.Help programs: Financial help options; Evergy Connect walk-in help (Kansas City)

1-888-471-5275 Bill help program

Ameren MissouriLawson, Elmira. 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

Farmers' Electric CooperativeKnoxville and rural. Electric co-op. State winter rules may not apply; ask about its own policy.

660-646-4281

Platte-Clay Electric CooperativeHomestead. Electric co-op. State winter rules may not apply; ask about its own policy.

816-628-3121

Natural gas

Liberty (The Empire District Gas Company)Richmond, Henrietta. State winter shutoff rules apply.Help programs: Project Help; Action to Support the Elderly; payment arrangements; medical extension

1-800-424-0427 Bill help program

Spire Missouri (West)Lawson. State winter shutoff rules apply.Help programs: Missouri Customer Charge Waiver Program (apply via LIHEAP/community action agency); Budget Billing; medical emergency program

800-582-1234 Bill help program

Other local help

Food: Harvesters - The Community Food Network3801 Topping Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64129; toll-free 877-353-6639

816-929-3000 Website

Seniors: Mid-America Regional Council Area Agency on Aging600 Broadway, Suite 200, Kansas City, MO 64105

816-421-4980 Website

Weatherization (lower heating and cooling costs): Missouri Valley Community Action Agency

660-886-7476 Website

Free legal help (eviction, debt): Legal Aid of Western Missouri (Warrensburg office)

660-747-7101 Website

Health care (sliding fee): Swope HealthNearest community health center (none listed in this county)

816-923-5800 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.
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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.