Low-Income Resources in Kansas
This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.
- Food resources
- Housing and utilities
- Child and family care
- Healthcare resources
- Crisis care
- Debt help
Food resources
If you need help with groceries, start with Kansas Food Assistance (SNAP) through the Kansas Department for Children and Families. For WIC and local food pantries, the resources below can help you understand options before applying. If you are unsure where to begin, see the Crisis care section for 211 Kansas.
Food Assistance (SNAP) — Kansas Department for Children and Families
Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details, then apply online when ready.
- Program overview: Kansas Food Assistance (DCF)
- Apply: DCF Self-Service Portal (SNAP application)
- Benefits assistance: 1-888-369-4777
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Helps with: Nutrition support for eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children.
How to start: Learn about the program and contact a local WIC clinic.
- Program overview: Kansas WIC (KDHE)
- WIC office: 785-296-3683
Find a food pantry — Kansas Food Source
Helps with: Locating food pantries and community food resources by county in Kansas.
How to start: Choose your county and review local pantry listings.
Housing and utilities
If housing or utility bills are the main concern, Kansas routes many programs through state agencies and local partners. For energy help, start with LIEAP. For renter resources and eviction information, Kansas Housing and Kansas Courts provide practical starting points.
Energy assistance (LIEAP) — Kansas Department for Children and Families
Helps with: Help paying home energy costs for eligible households.
How to start: Review required documents and apply online when ready.
- Program overview: Kansas LIEAP (DCF)
- Apply: DCF Self-Service Portal (LIEAP application)
- Benefits assistance: 1-888-369-4777
Renter resources and housing programs — Kansas Housing Resources Corporation
Helps with: Renter resources, housing programs, and local partner connections statewide.
How to start: Start with renter resources and linked program pages.
Eviction information and forms — Kansas Courts (Self-Help)
Helps with: Plain-language eviction information and self-help materials for tenants and landlords.
How to start: Review the eviction process and linked resources.
Child and family care
Families may need help with child care costs or temporary cash assistance. In Kansas, these programs are administered through the Kansas Department for Children and Families.
Child Care Assistance — Kansas Department for Children and Families
Helps with: Assistance paying for child care for eligible families.
How to start: Review program details, then apply online when ready.
- Program overview: Kansas child care assistance (DCF)
- Apply: DCF Self-Service Portal (child care application)
- Benefits assistance: 1-888-369-4777
Successful Families Program (TANF cash assistance) — Kansas DCF
Helps with: Employment supports and possible cash assistance for eligible families with children.
How to start: Review eligibility, then apply online when ready.
- Program overview: Successful Families Program (TANF)
- Apply: DCF Self-Service Portal (TANF application)
- Benefits assistance: 1-888-369-4777
Healthcare resources
If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, KanCare is Kansas Medicaid. You can review eligibility and apply online through the KanCare application pathway. Community health centers may also offer low-cost care.
KanCare (Kansas Medicaid) — Apply and enrollment information
Helps with: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Kansas residents.
How to start: Review application options, then apply online or request a paper application.
- Apply options: Apply for KanCare (official instructions)
- Request an application: 800-792-4884
Find a community health center — HRSA
Helps with: Locating federally supported clinics that often offer sliding-fee care.
How to start: Search by location to find a clinic near you.
Crisis care
If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the options below can help you find the right next step quickly.
211 Kansas (United Way of the Plains)
Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and community services.
How to start: Call 211 or text your ZIP code for referrals.
- Dial: 2-1-1
- Text: ZIP code to 898-211
- 211 Kansas information
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Helps with: Free, confidential support for mental health or emotional crisis.
How to start: Call or text 988, or use chat.
- Call or text: 988
- 988 in Kansas (KDADS)
SafeLine Kansas (sexual & domestic violence support)
Helps with: 24/7 free, confidential support and connection to local programs across Kansas.
How to start: Call or text to reach a trained advocate.
- Call: 1-888-363-2287
- Text: SAFE to 847411
- SafeLine Kansas
Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)
Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text.
- Call or text: 800-985-5990
- Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
- Helpline details
If debt is part of the picture
Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.
Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.
Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/kansas/