Emergency Assistance Program
It's easier than ever to qualify for the Emergency Assistance Program to receive immediate help. If you qualify for emergency assistance, you could receive up to $461 toward your utility bill.
Eligibility
To qualify for emergency assistance, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Your property must be a single-family residence. Duplexes, apartments, and commercial properties do not qualify for emergency assistance.
- Your gross household income is at or below 80% of Washington's State Median Income. (See table below.)
- Your Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) account is in your name or, if you rent, your City Light account is in your name.
- You have not already received emergency assistance from Seattle Public Utilities during this calendar year. (If children under the age of 18 live in your household, then you are eligible for assistance twice within the calendar year.)
Effective January 1, 2020, your gross household income must be at or below the following:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Household Income | Gross Annual Household Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,390 | $40,680 |
| 2 | $4,433 | $53,196 |
| 3 | $5,476 | $65,712 |
| 4 | $6,519 | $78,228 |
| 5 | $7,562 | $90,744 |
| 6 | $8,605 | $103,260 |
| 7 | $8,801 | $105,612 |
| 8 | $8,996 | $107,952 |
| 9 | $9,192 | $110,304 |
| 10 | $9,387 | $112,644 |
| Each Additional | $196 | $2,352 |
Note: Gross household income is the combined income of all the people residing in the household who are 18 years or older, before taxes are taken out.
Application and Contact
If you meet all of the eligibility requirements above, contact us at (206) 684-5800 to apply for emergency assistance. If you qualify for emergency assistance, you may also qualify for the Utility Discount Program. Also available are payment plans that you can apply for online or by phone.