The COVID-19 pandemic and recent extreme cold temperatures have created hardships for some Kansans. If you are struggling to pay rent and utilities, you may qualify for assistance through the following programs listed below.

Learn more about covid-19 assistance provided by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Office of Recovery. 

Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA)

This program is funded through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, which provided the state of Kansas nearly $200 million in rental assistance funding. Governor Kelly designated Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) to serve as the administrator of the majority of these funds through the KERA program.

The program provides rent, utility and internet assistance to households experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic. Landlords and tenants apply via a joint online process. If the application is approved, the landlord or service provider will receive funds directly from KERA and applies the KERA funds to the applicant's account. Approved applicants are eligible for up to 12 months of assistance.

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Tenants rents their home.
  • Tenants 2020 household income did not exceed 80% of their area's median income.
  • At least one member of the tenant household is experiencing documented financial hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic. Hardship may include loss of employment, reduction in household income or signature COVID-related expenses (medical bills, personal protective equipment, child care costs, equipment or internet costs to enable online work/schooling, etc.)
  • At least one member of the tenant household is uncertain where they will stay or may become homeless without housing assistance.
  • Applicant can provide valid proof of identification. Applicants must not have received assistance from other sources for the same costs and time period for which they are requesting KERA assistance.

Application Process

  1. Landlord completes online certification.
  2. Tenant submits online application.
  3. Landlord and tenant are notified when application is processed.
  4. If approved, landlord and/or service provider(s) receive funds direction from KHRC.
  5. Landlord and/or service provider(s) applies assistance to tenant account.

Learn More From the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation

Kansas Extraordinary Utility Costs Loan Program

This program provides low-cost loans to Kansans experiencing increased utility bills due to the extreme cold temperatures, Winter Storm Uri, in February 2021. It is administered by the Kansas State Treasurer's Office. 

Learn More From the Kansas State Treasurer's Office

For more information regarding utility and weather related assistance programs in your area visit the Kansas Corporation Commission.