Assistance for utility bills Near Kansas City

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Community Action Agency of Greater Kansas City
6323 Manchester Ave, Kansas City, MO 64133
2G53+JV Kansas City, Missouri
18163586868

Where to Find Utility Bill Assistance in Kansas City – Community Action Agency of Greater Kansas City
Get Help Now: Immediate Rental and Utility Assistance Available
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Where to Find Utility Bill Assistance in Kansas City

Living in Kansas City can be expensive, and managing utility bills can be especially difficult for those living on low incomes. Fortunately, there are several resources available to help cover the costs of energy and water bills. Here we will explore the various energy and water assistance programs, energy supplier discounts, and other resources available to those in need in Kansas City.

Energy and Water Assistance Programs

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal grant program that helps eligible households pay their energy bills. The local LIHEAP service provider in Kansas City is the Missouri Department of Social Services. Eligible households can apply for assistance online or by mail.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is a state of Missouri program that helps eligible homeowners and renters with energy costs. The EAP application is also available online or by mail.

The Fresh Start program is an energy supplier initiative to help customers struggling with overdue balances on their energy bills. Customers who qualify can pay off their overdue balance over a period of time.

Energy Supplier Discounts

Many energy suppliers in Kansas City offer discounts to eligible customers. These discounts include the Warm Home Discount, which helps customers with their energy bills during the winter months, and the Energy Assistance Fund, which provides extra help for those in need.

Local energy suppliers may also offer other discounts, such as discounts for those on low incomes, those with a Smart Meter, or those with a traditional prepayment meter. Other discounts may be available for customers who sign up for their text message service or pay their bills on time.

Other Local Resources

Residents of Kansas City may also be eligible for other assistance programs, such as the Winter Fuel Payment, which helps with energy costs during the winter months. The local council may also offer fuel vouchers to those in need.

For those struggling with medical bills, the Health Insurance Marketplace may provide additional help. The Federal Communications Commission also offers Lifeline, a discount program for telephone, internet, and other communication services.

The ongoing pandemic has brought along numerous challenges, including financial difficulties for many individuals and families. With the pandemic leaving people unemployed or unable to earn regular income, paying rent and utility bills has become a major concern for many. However, the good news is that Kansas City residents can now seek immediate rental and utility assistance through a new program introduced by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Housing Department. This initiative provides vital resources and financial support to help those in need during these difficult times. In this blog post, we will share what you need to know about the program, how you can apply, and what kind of assistance you can receive.

1. Emergency Rental and Utilities Assistance Available in KCMO

The City of Kansas City, Missouri is offering emergency rental and utilities assistance for residents in need. Funding for this program is being distributed through various community agencies, including CHES Inc., CAC, Guadalupe Center, Hope Faith, Metro Lutheran Ministries, MLM, reStart, and Save Inc. Residents can also seek other forms of assistance for deposits, utilities, and legal services through organizations such as the Heartland Center for Jobs & Freedom, Legal Aid of Western Missouri, Mattie Rhodes Center, Mid America Assistance Coalition, and Spire. Eligibility requirements include experiencing financial hardship directly or indirectly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and having a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income. Additionally, residents of the CCED Sales Tax District may be eligible for up to $3000 in assistance. Fill out the online form or call the city’s Tenant Rights/Evictions/Fair Housing Section for more information. [1][2]

2. Community Agencies Offering Assistance

Several community agencies in Kansas City are offering immediate rental and utilities assistance to individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These agencies include CHES Inc., Community Assistance Council (CAC), Guadalupe Center, Hope Faith, Metro Lutheran Ministries, MLM, reStart Inc., Save Inc., and more. These agencies are currently distributing emergency rental and utilities assistance funding allocated by the City of KCMO to residents who qualify based on certain income and eligibility requirements. An eligible household is defined as a renter household where one or more individuals have qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income or incurred significant costs or financial hardship due to the pandemic. The household income should also be at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI). Interested individuals can fill out an online application or call the agency directly for assistance. [3][4]

3. Eligibility Requirements for Rental and Utility Assistance

To qualify for emergency rental and utility assistance in Kansas City, households must meet certain income and eligibility requirements. An eligible household is defined as a renter household where one or more individuals have qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants must also demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, such as having a past due utility, rent, or eviction notice, unsafe or unhealthy living conditions, or any other evidence of such risk. Additionally, eligible households must have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI). The emergency rental and utility assistance program aims to prevent evictions and homelessness by providing financial relief to households affected by the pandemic. Those who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply for immediate assistance through existing community agencies. [5][6]

4. Other Assistance Options Available

In addition to emergency rental and utilities assistance, there are other resources available for those in need in Kansas City. The City of KCMO offers assistance with deposits, utilities, and legal services through the Tenant Rights/Evictions/Fair Housing Section. The Heartland Center for Jobs & Freedom and Legal Aid of Western Missouri also offer legal services for evictions. For those at risk of homelessness, the Mattie Rhodes Center and reStart Inc. offer homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services. Spire provides rent and utility assistance, while Mid America Assistance Coalition offers utility assistance only. It’s important to note that eligibility requirements must be met for all of these programs, including a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI). Those seeking assistance should consider all available options to find the resources that best fit their needs. [7][8]

5. Rental Assistance for CCED Sales Tax District Residents

Residents of the CCED Sales Tax District in Kansas City, Missouri, are eligible for up to $3,000 in assistance through the CCED Essential Services Fund. This assistance can be used to cover rent, mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation, or quarantine-related hotel expenses. The funding for this program comes from the Congressional COVID-19 relief package and is available to households that meet specific income and eligibility requirements. To qualify, the household must be a renter household, with at least one individual who has qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The household income should be at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI). Additionally, the household must demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, such as a past due utility or eviction notice. Eligible applicants can apply for assistance through the CCED Essential Services Fund online. [9][10]

6. LIEAP Application Deadline Extension and Income Requirement Changes

People in Kansas City who struggle with paying their energy bills can now apply for assistance through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), which has extended its application deadline to May 28th. The Kansas Department for Children and Families has expanded the income requirements from 130% to 150% of the federal poverty level and will review previously denied applications in the 2021 program year. Anyone who is unable to work because of COVID-19 should check with their human resources department to request assistance with short-term disability insurance. People who have lost employment due to COVID-19 should submit their unemployment application as soon as possible. These additional resources are designed to help Kansas City residents who have been most affected by the pandemic and who need emergency rental and utility assistance in order to keep their homes. [11][12]

7. Previously Denied LIEAP Applications to be Reviewed

Good news for those who previously applied for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and were denied. The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is reviewing all previously denied applications during the 2021 LIEAP program year. If any cases now meet the eligibility requirements and income threshold, benefits will be provided. The income requirements for LIEAP have also been expanded from 130% of the federal poverty level to 150%. With this, more low-income households can receive assistance with their energy bills. This is a great opportunity for those who may have been struggling to pay their energy bills and were denied assistance in the past. The DCF is committed to helping those in need, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay tuned for more updates on available assistance in Kansas and Missouri. [13][14]

8. Short-term Disability Insurance for COVID-19 Related Work Loss

For those who are unable to work due to COVID-19 related reasons, short-term disability insurance may be an option to help cover the loss of income. This type of insurance provides benefits for those who are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury, and in some cases, COVID-19 related reasons may be covered. However, it’s important to check with your specific insurance provider to determine if COVID-19 related work loss is covered under your policy. Additionally, some states have passed laws to provide additional coverage for those affected by COVID-19. It’s important to explore all options for financial assistance, including unemployment benefits and rental/utility assistance, before relying solely on short-term disability insurance. Those in need of assistance should reach out to their insurance provider and/or state resources to determine the best course of action. [15][16]

9. Unemployment Applications for Those Affected by COVID-19

For those affected by COVID-19, there are several resources available to apply for unemployment benefits in both Kansas and Missouri. In Kansas, individuals can apply online through the Kansas Department of Labor website or by phone. Missouri residents can apply for unemployment benefits online through the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website. It is important to note that financial assistance is available to renters who have experienced a reduction in household income or incurred significant costs due to the pandemic. This assistance includes emergency rental and utility assistance, which is being distributed through existing community agencies. Eligible households must demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability and have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income. Anyone in need of this assistance should reach out to the designated agencies listed in the article for more information. [17][18]

10. Sources for Kansas and Missouri Unemployment Applications.

For those in need of unemployment benefits in Kansas and Missouri, there are several sources available. Individuals can apply online through the state government websites, such as the Kansas Department of Labor or the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. There are also physical unemployment offices located throughout each state for those who prefer to apply in-person or need additional assistance. In addition, community agencies such as the Community Assistance Council or Metro Lutheran Ministries may have resources and information regarding filing for unemployment. It is important to note that eligibility requirements and application processes may vary between states, so individuals should ensure they are applying through the appropriate channels and providing the necessary documentation. By taking advantage of these resources, individuals can access the financial support they need during difficult times of unemployment. [19][20]