Help paying bills in the Kansas City area

Mid America Assistance Coalition takes Missouri energy assistance (LIHEAP) applications for Jackson, Clay and Platte counties. It can help pay your main heating or cooling bill, including when you have a shutoff notice. Winter crisis help (ECIP) runs November through May while funds last, up to $800. You can apply online through Missouri's Department of Social Services.

816-768-8900 · Apply online (Missouri DSS)

Kansas's energy assistance program helps pay part of your home heating costs, once a year, for households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. As of our check, Kansas had not yet announced dates for the 2026–27 season. Last season ran January 20 to March 31, 2026, so check the DCF page for this winter's dates.

1-888-369-4777 · Kansas DCF energy assistance

Evergy offers payment extensions, installment plans and an Average Payment Plan, and can connect you to energy assistance if you're at risk of disconnection. If someone in your home has a medical emergency that losing power could worsen, Evergy says it will delay a disconnection for at least 21 days (once per calendar year). You can get in-person help at Evergy Connect in Kansas City.

1-888-471-5275 · Evergy energy assistance

If your income qualifies, Spire may waive the monthly customer charge on your gas bill for 12 months. You apply through a local LIHEAP or community action agency listed on Spire's page, not through Spire.

Spire program page

Share The Warmth may help families facing an immediate financial emergency pay their gas heating bill. Apply in person at your nearest Salvation Army location.

816-756-5392 (option 2) · Share The Warmth

BPU says it won't shut off electric service when the National Weather Service forecasts 32°F or colder in the next 24 hours, any time of year (water isn't covered by that rule). BPU customers facing job loss, illness or other emergencies can ask United Way about BPU's Customer Payment Hardship Program, or call BPU to set up a payment plan.

Hardship program: 913-371-6772 · BPU payment plans: 913-573-9190 · BPU cold weather rule

KC Water offers payment arrangements if you're behind. The KC Water Services Fund may help pay part of a water bill, up to $500 in a 12-month period, but you apply through a partner agency. Dial 211 to find one.

311 or 816-513-1313 (option 1) · KC Water financial help

WaterOne may be able to offer an extended payment arrangement. Help paying the bill itself goes through Johnson County's Utility Assistance program (below).

913-895-1800 · WaterOne financial support

The county may help pay past-due electric, gas, water, wastewater or propane bills, and you don't have to be shut off to apply. Gross income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. By appointment only.

913-715-6653 · Johnson County program page

EOF is Wyandotte County's community action agency and may help with past-due rent and utility bills, plus case management.

913-371-7800 · EOF services

Family Support Centers may help eligible households with past-due rent or utility bills, and have food pantries. Appointments are scheduled through your local Family Support Center; no walk-ins.

Main line: 913-433-2100 · Overland Park center: 913-384-6608 · Family Support Centers

May help with rent or utility bills through an online form. The form opens on the 15th of each month (or the next business day) from 9 to 10 a.m. only, and takes the first 30 eligible applications. Help is limited to once every 12 months. Not available for Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Grandview, Raytown, Grain Valley or Pleasant Hill.

KCMO: 816-931-0027 · KCK: 913-342-8333 · Rent and utility form

May help with rent and utilities, offers free financial coaching on budgets and debt, and runs food pantries. Help depends on your location and available funds.

816-254-4100 · Get help at CSL

Offers free home weatherization to make homes more energy efficient for income-eligible owners and renters, which can lower future bills.

816-358-6868 · CAAGKC

Find food pantries and meal sites near you. Harvesters' Customer Care line can also help you find options.

877-653-9519 · Find food near you

May give free or low-cost legal help with evictions, tenant rights and debt collection to people who qualify.

913-621-0200 · Apply online

May give free legal help with evictions, utility shutoffs, debt collection lawsuits and garnishments to people who qualify.

816-474-6750 · Get legal help