LiHEAP Washington

LIHEAP in Washington

LIHEAP is a federally-funded assistance program that provides funds to the states. The funding in-turn is utilized to provide assistance to residents that need assistance paying heating and cooling costs. Residents can also use the Washington LIHEAP funds to pay for energy expenses that are a result of a crisis situation. The LIHEAP in Washington assistance program currently provides assistance to approximately 104,374 residents. Aside from your local Department of Health and Human Services, local utility companies support LIHEAP in Washington. The supporting utility companies include:

• Avista Utilities
• Benson County PUD
• Cascade Natural Gas
• Chelan County PUD
• City of Port Angeles Utilities
• City of Richmond Utilities
• Clallam County PUD
• Clark County PUD
• Columbia Rural Electric
• Cowlitz County PUD
• Douglas PUD
• Elmhurst Mutual Power and Light
• Ferry County PUD
• Franklin PUD
• Grant County PUD
• Grays County PUD
• Klickitat PUD
• Lewis County PUD
• Mason County PUD
• Modern Electric Water
• Okanogan County PUD
• Orcas Power and Light Co-op
• Pacific County PUD
• Pacific Power
• Pend Oreille PUD
• Peninsula Light Company
• Puget Sound Utilities
• Seattle City Light
• Snohomish County PUD
• Tacoma Power

Washington LIHEAP Assistance

The Department of Health and Human Services and local Community Action Agencies are ready and available to accept your LIHEAP application. The LIHEAP in Washington assistance program has a limited amount of funding, so residents are advised to submit your application early and often until you receive an acceptance letter. When your application is accepted, you can use the funds to cover heating and cooling costs. Residents can also use the funds to cover energy costs that arise as a result of a crisis. The funding levels for Washington LIHEAP, as of 2011, were $25 (minimum) and $1,000 (maximum).

LIHEAP Application & How to Apply

LIHEAP in Washington accepts applications for heating expenses as well as crisis relief year-round. Upon approval, funds are distributed during the heating season, October to June. The funds do not go directly to the residents, but in turn to the Department of Health and Human Services or a sponsoring utility company.

Residents are eligible to apply for funding every month until the cut-off date. Applying for LIHEAP in Washington consist of submitting an application to the state Department of Health and Human Services or your local utility company. Contact your local LIHEAP office at 1-360-725-2857.

LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?

In order to become eligible for LIHEAP in Washington, you must meet the federal income guidelines. Residents must fall at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. As of 2011, the federal poverty guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services were:

If families are comprised of more than eight members, you will need to add an additional $4,775 for each member at 125% of the poverty level.

If you or your family fall within the income guidelines set by the state, contact the local Department of Health and Human Services or your local utility company that accepts LIHEAP in Washington.