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Kansas Utility Relief Programs provide essential financial stability for households facing high energy costs and extreme weather conditions. These initiatives include federal grants, state protections, and corporate assistance designed to keep your home warm and safe. Navigating these options can be complex, but understanding the eligibility requirements and application windows is the key to securing aid. This guide breaks down the available resources into clear, manageable steps to help you find the support you need.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is the primary source of federal funding for heating costs in Kansas. This program provides a one-time annual benefit to help eligible households pay their winter energy bills. It is not a monthly subsidy, so applicants must plan accordingly to use this lump sum effectively.
Income Eligibility Guidelines
To qualify for LIEAP, your household must meet specific income criteria based on federal poverty guidelines. The combined gross income of all persons living at the address must not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level. Gross income includes all earnings before taxes and deductions are taken out.
For the 2025 application period, the maximum gross monthly income limits are:
Important Dates and Requirements
The application window for LIEAP is strictly enforced. For the current cycle, applications are accepted starting November 18 and must be received by 5:00 PM on March 31. Applications submitted after this deadline are typically not accepted.
Successful applicants must demonstrate they are responsible for paying the heating costs. This means the utility bill must be in the name of an adult resident, or you must provide proof that heating costs are included in your rent. You must also have a recent history of payments toward your primary heating energy.
The Cold Weather Rule is a state regulation enforced by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). It protects residential customers from utility disconnection during the winter months when temperatures drop to dangerous levels. This rule is in effect annually from November 1 through March 31.
Temperature-Based Disconnection Ban
Under this rule, utility companies cannot disconnect your service if the local temperature is forecast to drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit within the next 48 hours. This protection ensures that no one is left without heat during freezing conditions. It applies to investor-owned utilities like Evergy and Kansas Gas Service.
The 12-Month Payment Plan
The Cold Weather Rule also mandates that utility companies offer a 12-month payment plan. This allows you to pay off past-due balances over time while maintaining service. To activate this plan, you must contact your utility provider and agree to the terms.
The standard payment plan requires:
Evergy offers robust assistance programs for electricity customers in Kansas. These programs are designed to provide both immediate crisis relief and ongoing bill stability. They are often administered in partnership with community organizations like the Salvation Army.
Economic Relief Pilot Program (ERPP)
The Economic Relief Pilot Program provides a monthly bill credit for eligible households. Participants can receive a credit of up to $65 per month for up to 12 consecutive months. This program is ideal for customers who need consistent help budgeting their monthly expenses.
To qualify for ERPP:
Project DESERVE
Project DESERVE provides emergency financial assistance for energy costs. It primarily targets the elderly (age 65+) and individuals receiving permanent disability income. Eligible households can receive a one-time annual payment of up to $300 to help prevent disconnection or pay down a balance.
Natural gas providers in Kansas also operate charitable funds to assist customers during the heating season. These programs rely on donations and are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Share the Warmth (Kansas Gas Service)
Share the Warmth helps families facing immediate financial emergencies pay their natural gas bills. It is administered by the Salvation Army. The program is available to residents in the counties served by Kansas Gas Service.
Key details include:
Black Hills Cares
Black Hills Energy offers the "Black Hills Cares" program for its customers. Funds for this program are matched by the company and distributed through local community agencies. It helps cover energy-related expenses for those in need.
Sharing the Warmth (Atmos Energy)
Atmos Energy customers can access aid through their "Sharing the Warmth" program. Unlike some one-time grants, this program may allow eligible customers to receive assistance up to three times per year. The maximum benefit is often capped at $200 per transaction.
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) focuses on reducing energy costs permanently by improving the energy efficiency of your home. Services are provided at no cost to eligible families. This can include adding insulation, sealing drafts, and repairing heating systems.
Eligibility for Weatherization
Income eligibility for WAP is generally set at 200% of the federal poverty level. Priority is often given to the elderly, families with children, and high-energy users.
Many counties and municipalities offer their own specialized relief programs. These can be vital resources if federal funds are exhausted or if you do not meet specific criteria for other programs.
Wyandotte County and KCK Rebates
Residents of Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County may qualify for utility and tax rebates. This program targets seniors (65+) and disabled individuals with an income of $42,600 or below. Eligible applicants can receive rebates on franchise fees for gas, electric, and phone bills.[]
City of Topeka Programs
The City of Topeka offers a Franchise Fee Credit Program for eligible low-income households. Additionally, the city has a Water Share program to assist with water bills. These programs help offset the cost of municipal services for vulnerable residents.
Douglas County Warm Hearts
In Douglas County, the Warm Hearts program provides heating assistance for various fuel types, including propane and wood. Assistance is typically available from January through April. Payments are made directly to the fuel vendor on behalf of the applicant.
Veterans and active-duty military personnel have access to specialized financial aid. These programs often provide faster assistance during emergencies.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
The SSVF program helps low-income veterans prevent homelessness. Funds can be used for utility deposits and past-due utility bills if they threaten the veteran's ability to stay in their home. Providers like Catholic Charities and Veterans Inc. manage these funds in Kansas.
Kansas National Guard Foundation Relief Fund
This fund provides emergency grants and interest-free loans to active members of the Kansas National Guard. It is designed to bridge financial gaps caused by deployment or unexpected hardships. Assistance can cover utilities, rent, and other essential needs.
It is critical to be aware that some pandemic-era relief programs have ended. Relying on outdated information can delay your search for active aid.
To maximize your chances of receiving aid, you should prepare a documentation folder before you apply. Most agencies will require the same set of documents.
Applying early is the best strategy. Many corporate and local programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are unsure where to start, dial 2-1-1 to reach the United Way, which can direct you to open funding sources in your specific zip code.
The Cold Weather Rule protects residential customers from utility disconnection when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35°F within the next 48 hours. It is in effect from November 1 through March 31. While it prevents immediate shut-offs during extreme cold, you must still set up a 12-month payment plan with your utility provider to maintain service.
To qualify for LIEAP in 2025, your household income must not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. You must also be responsible for paying your home's heating costs. The application period for the 2025 season runs from November 18, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Benefits are a one-time annual payment sent directly to your utility company.
Yes, though the federal Emergency Water Assistance Program (EWAP) has ended, local options exist. KC Water partners with the Mid America Assistance Coalition (MAAC) to help customers. The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) offers a Hardship Payment Service Program with up to $500 in aid. Residents in Johnson County can also apply for county-level utility assistance that covers water and wastewater bills.
Share the Warmth is a charitable program funded by customer donations, primarily for Kansas Gas Service customers. It provides up to $300 per year to help pay heating bills. Applications are typically processed by the Salvation Army and are accepted from mid-November through April 30, or until funds run out. You do not need to be a Kansas Gas Service customer to apply, but you must live in their service area.
Act immediately. First, call your utility provider to ask about payment arrangements or the Cold Weather Rule protections if it is winter. Next, contact the United Way by dialing 2-1-1 to find local agencies like Catholic Charities or the Salvation Army that offer emergency financial assistance. Do not wait until your service is shut off, as reconnection fees will apply.
Yes. Evergy offers Project DESERVE, which provides emergency assistance for the elderly (65+) and people with severe disabilities. They also have the Pay As You Save (PAYS) program, which helps you make energy-efficiency upgrades to your home with no upfront cost, allowing you to pay for them over time through the savings on your bill.
You can apply for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) through local community action agencies like ECKAN or the East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation. Eligibility is generally set at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. If approved, you receive free home audits and improvements like insulation and weather-stripping to permanently lower your energy bills.
Yes. In addition to general programs like LIEAP, programs like Project DESERVE (Evergy) and HeatShare (Salvation Army) often prioritize elderly and disabled applicants. Furthermore, if you register your household as having a resident with a disability or medical need with your utility company, they may provide additional notice before any service disconnection.
Yes. LIEAP benefits can be applied to various heating fuels, including propane, wood, and fuel oil, not just natural gas or electricity. When you apply, you will list your fuel vendor, and the payment will be credited to your account with them. Heat Share funds can also often be used for these alternative heating sources.
Income limits vary by program. For LIEAP, the limit is roughly $1,956/month for a single person and $4,019/month for a family of four (150% FPL). For the Weatherization Assistance Program and some charitable funds, the limit is higher, typically around 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, which allows more moderate-income households to qualify.
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