Bill Payment Assistance in Kansas City, KS
Over the past few months, Kansas City has seen a substantial rise in the cost of utility bills. This increase has placed a heavy burden on low- to moderate-income families who are already struggling financially. Many people are finding it challenging to pay their utilities as a result. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected households with lower to middle incomes, adding to the financial stress for numerous Kansas City residents in terms of their utility expenses. On top of this, the rising cost of living is putting even more pressure on family budgets.
There are several utility and bill assistance programs in Kansas City, KS, that can help eligible households pay their bills and utilities. In this complete guide, we’ll tell about the different types of help programs, such as who is eligible, how to apply, and how to contact them.
Kansas City’s Economy and Its Impact on Utility Bills
Kansas City, KS, is a thriving city with a diverse economy. It’s home to several large employers, including the Kansas City Power & Light Company, Black Hills Energy, and Kansas Gas Service. However, despite the city’s economic success, many low- to middle-income households are struggling to pay their utility bills.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising cost of energy have added to the stress on households. This has led to a rise in the number of people looking for utility and bill assistance programs. For instance, these programs help eligible households pay their utility bills by offering assistance.
Public Assistance Programs Available in Kansas City, KS
There are a number of public assistance programs in Kansas City, Kansas, that can help eligible households get money. These programs include:
- Helping Hand Program from Black Hills Energy: This program helps eligible low-income residential customers who are having trouble paying their energy bills. To be eligible, your household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. For more information, call 888-890-5554.
- Kansas Gas Service’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP): This program provides financial assistance to eligible low-income households to help them pay their heating bills. To be eligible, your household income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. For more information, visit Kansas Gas Service’s website or call 800-794-4780.
- The Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund is a program that helps homeowners who are eligible but are having trouble paying their mortgage or utility bills because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For your family to be eligible, your household income must have gone down because of the pandemic. For more information, visit the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation’s website or call 785-217-2001.
- Community Programs: Some community programs, like Mount Carmel Community Outreach and the Community Action Agency of Johnson County, help low-income households with money. For more information, call 913-721-4111 and 913-715-6653.
- The Kansas City Power & Light Company: This company has services like weatherization, payment plans, and bill assistance to help customers manage their energy costs. For more information, visit their website or call 888-471-5275.
How to Apply for Public Assistance Programs in Kansas City, KS
To get help paying for your utilities in Kansas City, KS, you’ll need to show proof of income and meet the requirements for each program. It’s essential to check the requirements for each program you’re interested in because they can be different.
You can call the Mid-America Assistance Coalition or go to their website to ask for help with money. This organization provides emergency assistance funding to eligible households in Kansas City, KS. You can also contact the BPU board, which offers a one-time payment to eligible households experiencing financial hardships.
Also, if you are facing eviction, you may qualify for emergency rental assistance in Kansas City. The Community Assistance Council (CAC) helps families who are having trouble paying their bills because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also help eligible households with emergency rent payments, help with their monthly bills, and help with their utilities. For more information, visit their website or call 816-763-3277.
It’s important to note that some programs have income requirements based on the median income of the area. In Kansas City, KS, the median household income is $47,801, and eligibility criteria may be based on a percentage of this amount.
Finally, there are several community agencies that provide assistance to households in need. These agencies may offer assistance with rent, child care, employment, and other services. Some of these agencies include Vaughn-Trent Community Services and the Community Action Center of Johnson County. For more information on the services provided by these agencies, visit their websites or call 913-551-3200 and 913-715-6653.
Conclusion
If you are having trouble paying your utility bills in Kansas City, KS, there are several programs that can help eligible households pay their bills. From Black Hills Energy’s Helping Hand Program to the Community Assistance Council’s emergency rental assistance.
When applying for help, it’s important to meet each program’s requirements and show proof of income. Knowing about the different community programs and organizations that help low-income households is important. So, by taking advantage of these programs, you can reduce the financial burden of your utility bills and get back on track. Remember, financial assistance is available, and there is no shame in asking for help.
