OLYMPIA, Wash. — Good news for some low-income Washington residents struggling to pay rent and energy bills during the pandemic.
The Department of Commerce provided up to $1,000 in rental assistance and up to $500 in energy assistance for households that qualify for the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
The funding will be distributed through community action agencies statewide and is expected to serve an estimated 5,000 households.
Agencies will distribute the money on a first-come first-served basis as long as the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order is in place.
To qualify for the benefits, a household must be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level and have received – or will receive – a LIHEAP or Low Income Rate Assistance Program benefit between October 2019 – October 2020.
Interested persons should apply at their local community action agency.
In Whatcom County, apply at the Opportunity Council.
Skagit County residents can apply at Community Action of Skagit County.