Columbus
Ask about Columbus
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Columbus and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Columbus
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
State office
Kansas Department for Children and Families, Cherokee County Office
100 W Maple St, Columbus, KS 66725
Help here
- Economic and Employment ServicesVisit the office to ask about state benefits and related services.Read more
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on dcf.ks.gov
Utilities · City office
Utility Billing Office
300 E Maple St, Columbus, KS 66725
Help here
- Water, sewer, and sanitation billsPay city utility bills, ask about charges, or arrange automatic payments.Apply online
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on columbusks.gov
Local office · City office
City Hall
300 E Maple St, Columbus, KS 66725
Help here
- City services and informationAsk about city services, public meetings, records, or where to get help.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on columbusks.gov
Library · City office
Columbus Public Library
205 N Kansas Ave, Columbus, KS 66725
Help here
- Library servicesBorrow books and other materials or get a library card.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on columbuspubliclibrary.org
City of Columbus, Kansas website
Checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Columbus
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Kansas Food Bank
1919 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67211
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Kansas Legal Services, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEK-CAP, Inc.)
401 N Sinnet, Girard, KS 66743
Listed on kshousingcorp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Cherokee County
Columbus is in Cherokee County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Public health · County office
Cherokee County Health Department WIC
120 S Delaware, Columbus, KS 66725
Help here
- WICEligible pregnant or postpartum women, infants, and young children can get food benefits, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cherokeecountyks.gov
State office
Kansas Department for Children and Families, Cherokee County
Help here
- Food, cash, child care, and utility assistanceApply for Kansas food, cash, child care, and utility assistance through DCF.Apply online
- Child Support ServicesApply for child support services online or call DCF to arrange an in-person or virtual appointment.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dcf.ks.gov
Public health · County office
Cherokee County Health Department
120 S Delaware, Columbus, KS 66725
Help here
- Public health servicesGet health education, immunizations, and other prevention services from the county health department.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cherokeecountyks.gov
Older adults · Regional office
Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging
Help here
- Aging and caregiver supportOlder adults and caregivers can ask about in-home help, respite care, meals, and Medicare counseling.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on sekaaa.com
Emergency help · County office
Cherokee County Emergency Management
110 W Maple St, Columbus, KS 66725
Help here
- Emergency preparednessGet preparedness information and learn how the county coordinates response to emergencies and disasters.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cherokeecountyks.gov
Library · County office
Cherokee County Public Library
Help here
- Library servicesBorrow books, use public computers, and access research and other library resources.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cherokeecountypubliclibrary.org
Kansas programs by kind of help
These are run by Kansas and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- United Way 2-1-1 Kansas
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988