Emergency Assistance Program

How much can I save with this program?

With this program, you can expect to save an average of $800 annually.

It's easier than ever to qualify for the Emergency Assistance Program to receive immediate help. If you qualify, you could receive up to a maximum of $507 a year ($1014 for households with children under 18) and split into up to 4 pledges per year.

Eligibility

To qualify for emergency assistance, you must meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Your property must be a single-family residence. Duplexes, apartments, and commercial properties do not qualify for emergency assistance.
  2. Your gross household income is at or below 80% of Washington's State Median Income. (See table below.)
  3. Your Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) account is in your name or, if you rent, your City Light account is in your name.
  4. Everyone eligible for EAP in 2024 can receive 4 pledges in the calendar year a maximum of $507 a year or $1014 for households with children under 18.

Effective January 1, 2024, your gross household income must be at or below the following:

Household Size Gross Monthly Income Gross Yearly Income
1 $4,217 $50,604
2 $5,514 $66,168
3 $6,811 $81,732
4 $8,109 $97,308
5 $9,406 $112,872
6 $10,704 $128,448
Each additional $244 $2,928

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. Gross household income is updated annually by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. 

Application and Contact

If you meet all the eligibility requirements above, apply for Emergency Assistance by completing the Utility Assistance Program Application (download a How to Apply Guide). If you need to apply by phone, you can contact us at (206) 684-5800.

We recommend using the online application. However, you can print the Universal Application (PDF) and submit the completed application along with required information by mail, fax, or email.

If you qualify for emergency assistance, you may also qualify for the Utility Discount Program. Payment plans are also available to all customers regardless of income.

 

Public Utilities

Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO
Address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34018, Seattle, WA, 98124-5177
Phone: (206) 684-3000
SPUCustomerService@seattle.gov

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Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is comprised of three major direct-service providing utilities: the Water Utility, the Drainage and Wastewater Utility, and the Solid Waste Utility.