Kansas Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

Kansas’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps residents with low-income pay their energy bills.

Managed by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), LIEAP provides financial help to eligible families to cover home energy costs, especially heating during colder months. Since funding is limited, the amount you receive depends on available resources.

How does Kansas LIEAP work?

Kansas LIEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. This support can help reduce the risk of utility shut offs and keep your home safe and comfortable during extreme temperatures.

The benefit amount you may receive depends on several factors, including:

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​The amount of federal funding received

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Your household income

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The number of people in your household

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Type of home

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Type of primary heating fuel

Kansas uses a formula to distribute funds so that assistance can be provided to as many eligible households as possible during the application period. The 2026 LIEAP application period starts on January 20, 2026, at 8 a.m. and ends on March 31, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Who can get help from Kansas LIEAP?

To get help from LIEAP, you must meet these basic rules:

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You must be a U.S. citizen or meet eligible non-citizen requirements.

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Your total household income must be at or below income limits set by the state (typically around 150% of the federal poverty level)

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You must be responsible for paying your home energy costs, either directly or as part of your rent. Note that the benefit is usually paid directly to your utility company.

You can check the current income limits by visiting the Kansas Department for Children and Families website.

How do I apply for Kansas LIEAP?

Applying for LIEAP is simple. You can apply online using the DCF Self-Service Portal during the application period. If you prefer to apply in person, you can fill out a paper application at your local DCF Service Center or request one by calling 1-888-369-4777.

When applying, you may be asked to provide the following:

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Signatures from every member of household

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Proof of income for everyone living in your home

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Copies of all utility bills

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Proof of child support received or a court order

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A rental agreement if you live in subsidized housing

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A rental agreement if your heat is included in your rent

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A lease agreement if the utility bills are in your landlord’s name

What happens after I apply for Kansas LIEAP?

Kansas accepts LIEAP applications from January 20th to March 31st. After the application period ends, the state reviews all applications and determines benefit amounts based on available funding and eligibility.

Everyone who is eligible will receive a benefit, and the amount is decided after all applications have been processed. To check your application status after March 31st, you can call Kansas DCF’s Utility and Energy Assistance Department at 1-888-369-4777.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways you can get help applying for Kansas LIEAP. You can:

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Attend an in-person LIEAP application event. Find the dates and locations here.

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Call the Kansas DCF at 888-369-4777

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Ask a trusted family member or friend.

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Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you.https://benefitscheckup.org/article/how-to-find-a-benefits-enrollment-center-near-youSee if there’s one in your area.

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NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559.

What if I cannot get help from Kansas LIEAP?

1. Talk to your utility company

Call your utility provider and explain that you are having trouble paying your energy bills. Many utility companies in Kansas have programs for low-income households that offer lower rates or payment plans. Kansas also has the Cold Weather Rule which requires utilities to offer special payment plans from November 1st through March 31st to help ensure that families have heat and gas during the coldest months of the year.

2. Look for other assistance programs in Kansas

There are other local or state programs that may help you lower your heating and energy bills. To find help, you can visit United Way’s 211 website, or search the Kansas assistance program map to find resources in your region.

3. Contact a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)

These local centers help older adults and people with disabilities find programs to afford food, health care, and energy bills. You can contact a BEC in your area for guidance and support.