Many older adults on fixed incomes find themselves struggling to afford utilities.

The Johnson County Utility Assistance Program, managed by the Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services, has been a crucial support for low-income households for more than 45 years.

Assistance may be provided for electric, water, gas, wastewater or propane utility bills.

Assistance also is available for past due utility bills and for those unable to make a payment on a current payment plan. Residents do not need a shut-off notice or to be disconnected to receive assistance.

Qualifications to receive services are:

• Johnson County resident.
• Must be at or below 200% of the poverty guidelines. Proof of income is collected for the previous 30 days.
• Utility bill in the name of the person seeking assistance and currently resides at the residence.
• Resident’s utility bill must not exceed the maximum amount of funding available.

There are four multi-service center locations: North central (Lenexa), northeast (Mission), southwest (Gardner) and central (Olathe). To access services, residents must call 913-715-6653. For more information, visit jocogov.org/utilityassistance.