Serving the many faces of our community for 40 years.

Energy Assistance Program

• Q: How often can I get assistance?
• A: Once per season.
  
  
• Q: How is a season defined?
• A: The federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program LIHEAP usually opens after October 1st (check this site for actually opening dates) and runs through June of the following year, or until funds are exhausted. If you are a Puget Sound Energy customer (natural gas), you may apply for both PSE/HELP and LIHEAP. You may apply for HELP once per program year, which runs from October 1st through September 30th. It is possible to receive two grants (one from LIHEAP, the other from HELP) in the same program year.
  
  
• Q: How do you calculate an award? Is it based on the amount I owe to my utility company?
• A: Your award is based on many factors—things such as income, number of people in the household, type of housing, type of heating, whether or not you are in subsidized housing, etc. The amount that you owe is not used in the calculation.
  
  
• Q: Do you help people in subsidized housing?
• A: Yes, people in subsidized housing receive an energy assistance benefit just as if they were living in non-subsidized housing.
  
  
• Q; What if my heat is included in my rent? Can I still apply?
• A: Yes, even if your heat is included in your rent you may be eligible to receive a grant. You must provide proof that your heat is included in your rent. In this instance the benefit is sent directly to you in the form of a check.
  
  
• Q: I live in King County. Where can I apply?
  A: If you live within the city of Seattle, you may apply at CAMP. In south King County, you will apply through Multi Service Center. In north, northeast and southeast King County, you will apply through Hope Link. To make an appointment at any of these agencies, please call the 24 hour appointment line at 1-800-348-7144.
  
  
• Q; How much income can I have?
• A: It depends on the size of your household.
  Household of 1 - $1,021 to $1,225 per month
  Household of 2 - $1,375 to $1,650 per month
  Household of 3 - $1,729 to $2,075 per month
  Household of 4 - $2,083 to $2,500 per month
  Household of 5 - $2,438 to $2,925 per month
  Household of 6 - $2,792 to $3,350 per month
  
  Deduct 20% from earned income and 10% from employment benefits if they are taxed at the time of payout.
  
  
• Q: What documentation do I bring to the interview?
• A: You must bring:
  Social security cards or another document showing the social security number of all adults living in the household, 18 years or older,
  
  Picture Identification card for the applicant,
  
  Income documentation for the entire household for the previous 3 months (Q5 & Q12 printouts from the unemployment office required of adults without income. Call the TeleCenter at 1-800-318-6022),
  
  The most recent heating bill & PSE natural gas bill (if applicable), if they are not the same,
  
  Verification of children living in the household, and
  
  Lease agreement, rent receipts or mortgage statement.
  
  
• Q: Do I have to have an emergency?
• A: No
  
  
• Q: Do I have to own my home?
• A: No, however to receive assistance with heating system repairs or replacements you must own your home.
  
  
• Q: How much money can I qualify for? When will I receive notice about my award?
  A: In 2-3 weeks you should receive an award letter stating your benefit amount. Amounts range from $25 to $750. (Note: if it is a shutoff, we will give the information as soon as the file is processed, and will call in the award amount to the utility.)
  
  
• Q: What do I do with the letter?
• A: Follow the instructions as outlined on your applicant fact sheet, namely, to call your utility and tell them your award amount and make payment arrangements on any balance owed.