Looking for help on your gas bill in Kansas City? These relief programs could come through
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Heating bill increases cause financial strain in Kansas City
Spire and Kansas Gas Service customers in the Kansas City area are struggling to pay for gas with price and rate increases this year.
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Companies like Spire, Kansas Gas Service, nonprofit organizations and the government offer assistance programs that can knock down some costs, but you have to meet certain requirements before you can receive assistance.
Lynn Rose is the vice president of Community Services League, a local organization that helps people access utility assistance. She said that while the need for assistance has gone up across the board, there are plenty of dollars floating around that can help families struggling with past due payments.
These programs can help you if the pandemic set you back, you have limited income, you can’t afford your monthly bill, you have a medical condition, you receive Social Security, you’re behind on your gas bill or if you need more time to pay.
LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM—MISSOURI
This program through the federal government and the state of Missouri provides a one-time per year payment for either your heating or cooling costs.
You’re eligible if you meet the following:
You’re responsible for paying for your utilities (your name and address are on the bill)
You’re a Missouri resident and a United States citizen or permanent resident
If you have $3,000 or less in your bank account, retirement funds or investments
Meet the income guidelines for your household size, which can be found here
You can apply by filling out this application and supplying the required documents, which include social security numbers, utility bills and proof of income. You’ll then click the “submit” button at the end, or you can also print it and mail everything to your contracted agency, which you can find here.
LOW INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM—KANSAS
Similar to the Missouri program above, this federally-funded Kansas program offers a one-time assistance payment per year.
You are eligible if:
You’re responsible for paying for your utilities (your name and address are on the bill)
Have a recent history of payments toward your heating bill
The combined income of your household does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level, which would be under $39,756 a year for a family of four
You can apply online or with a paper application, and it’s due by the end of the month on March 31. If you need help applying, you can call 1-800-432-0043.
EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
This rent relief program can also help tenants pay past-due utility bills.
You’re eligible for this if you:
Qualify for unemployment benefits
Have experienced a loss in household income
Have financial hardship as a result of COVID-19
Demonstrate risk of becoming homeless or having housing instability, which includes a past due utility bill or an eviction notice
Have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income
If you’re in Kansas City, fill out this application. If you’re outside of the city’s metro area, apply here. You’ll need the following documents:
A form of identification, like a driver’s license or passport
Documentation of residency. A lease or another form that shows you live there
Documentation of income. This can be a W2, your 2020 tax return or an approval letter for a program, such as Medicaid
Documentation of need, either the landlord letter or the utility bill that shows how much you owe.
Local agencies like CHES, Inc. and the Community Action Agency of Greater Kansas City will help with utility bill assistance. Community Action is also Spire’s designated agency for Clay, Jackson and Platte County residents.
“These ERAP funds from the second and third stimulus packages are life-changing,” Rose said. “Some families are receiving an average of $3,700 in assistance, and that’s rent and utilities combined. That’s wiping out a lot of balances and getting people back to zero.”
SPIRE ASSISTANCE OPTIONS
If your service with Spire was disconnected, and it puts you at risk of a medical emergency, they’ll delay the disconnection for 21 days after you apply. You’ll need to fill out your information here, which includes your name, phone number, email address and Spire account number.
For people on social security, you’ll fill out this form with your Spire customer information.
This program by Spire is for customers over the age of 65 or those who are disabled. It provides you with more time to pay your bills if you’re at risk of being disconnected. To enroll in this program, you’ll need your Spire account information, and you can sign up here.
PAYMENT PLANS
You’ll have to call Spire to determine if you’re eligible to set up a payment plan. If you qualify, you’ll only have to pay a percentage of your past due balance upfront, while the company will add the rest to your next monthly payments over the next few months.
You’ll call 800-887-4173 if you’re in Western Missouri.
KANSAS PAYMENT PLAN OPTIONS
If you want to set up a payment plan for your Atmos bill, you can find more information here.
If you want to set up a payment plan for your Kansas Gas Service bill, you can find more information here.
OTHER RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT CAN HELP
There are a few local organizations that can help you find assistance with paying your utilities, such as:
You can also call United Way at 211 to get connected with other organizations that can help.
What other questions do you have about utilities? Ask us at kcq@kcstar.com.
