💡 Power, gas, or water shutoff

Got a shutoff notice? Call your utility first and ask for a payment arrangement — they'd rather make a plan than disconnect you. Then call 211 for bill help.

¿No habla inglés? Llame al 211 — intérpretes gratis en su idioma. Free interpreters in your language (Kiswahili, မြန်မာ, دری, العربية, Tiếng Việt, Soomaali, Kreyòl, नेपाली…) — call 211.

Going somewhere in person? Call first. Hours, funding, and walk-in rules change fast — the phone number on each card is the quickest way to make sure before you make the trip.

Which side of the state line do you live on?

1. Stop the shutoff

  1. Call your utility and say you want a payment arrangement. Have your account number ready. Ask them to note your account so the disconnection pauses.
  2. If someone in the home is on medical equipment or seriously ill, say so — utilities have medical holds (Spire's pauses disconnection 30 days with a doctor's note).
  3. Then line up bill help below — an arrangement plus a pledge from an assistance program is the usual save.
Evergy (electric)

Payment plans (both states) + hardship credit up to $65/month for 12 months ("Economic Relief Pilot" — Missouri Evergy accounts only). The odd part: you apply through the Salvation Army, not Evergy: 816-756-5392, option 1.

evergy.com → Economic Relief Pilot

Checked online · July 14, 2026
Spire (gas)

DollarHelp grants up to $1,000/year — apply through your local Community Action Agency (211 connects you). Payment Partner plan matches what you pay toward old debt. Medical hold available with a doctor's note.

spireenergy.com/assistance

Checked online · July 14, 2026
KC Water

Call 311 (816-513-1313, option 1) for a payment arrangement. Hardship dollars flow through Mid America Assistance Coalition member agencies — 211 routes you.

kcwater.us → financial assistance

Checked online · July 14, 2026

2. Money for the bill

🟢 OPEN NOW: Missouri summer cooling help (ECIP)

Missouri's summer crisis program runs June through September, while funding is available — up to $300 toward electric if you have a shutoff notice, are already disconnected, or prepaid power is about to run out. Contracted agencies may also provide emergency help such as a window AC unit. Income and asset limits apply.

Apply online at mydss.mo.gov or through your Community Action Agency · DSS help line 855-373-4636

Checked online · July 12, 2026
⚠️ Kansas: the state energy program is CLOSED for the year

Kansas's 2026 LIEAP application period ran January 20 through March 31 and is now closed. There is no Kansas summer LIEAP application period. Don't waste a day looking for it. Instead: utility payment plans (above), Salvation Army / Catholic Charities / Cross-Lines emergency funds via 211, the Kansas DCF status page, and the state's list of northeast-Kansas alternatives: kcc.ks.gov → assistance programs.

Checked online · July 12, 2026
Metro Lutheran Ministry — utility help

⏰ The application form is only open one hour a month: 9:00–10:00 AM on the 15th (next business day if the 15th is a weekend or holiday), and it can fill before the hour is out. Set an alarm. Currently no funds for Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Grandview, Raytown, Grain Valley, or Pleasant Hill.

mlmkc.org

Checked online · July 14, 2026

3. Know your rights (worth saying on the phone)

Missouri Cold Weather Rule: utilities can't shut off heat when the forecast is below 32°F (Nov 1 – Mar 31), and new state rules also block shutoffs during extreme heat. If you're being disconnected on a freezing or dangerously hot day, say "Cold Weather Rule" and call the Missouri PSC if they won't stop: 1-800-392-4211.
Kansas Cold Weather Rule: shutoffs are blocked when the forecast is below 35°F (Nov 1 – Mar 31), and you can spread winter bills over 12 months. Details: kcc.ks.gov.