Various energy assistance programs are designed to help eligible households ease the financial impact of a portion of heating costs. Funding is limited, which means not all qualified households will receive assistance.
ENERGY ASSISTANCE FUNDS ARE MEANT TO HELP:
- Make heating your home more affordable
- Maintain a warm and safe home
- Assist with other utility needs as programs and funding allows
Energy assistance comes in the form of a few different programs. Learn more about these programs below. Because different programs have different eligibility requirements, we encourage you to review which/if any programs you may qualify for to help maximize the help you may receive:
PROGRAM
TITLE
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
HOW TO
ACCESS
Energy/Heating Assistance
For those who live in Spokane County
Income is between 0 and 150% FPL
Available once per heating season (October 1 – September 30)
By appointment only. Appointments open the THIRD TUESDAY of each month. To make an appointment:
1) Visit THIS webpage
2) Call 509-242-2376
Emergency Energy Assistance (Project Share)
For those who live in Spokane County
Not available for Vera or City of Cheney households
No income restrictions
Hardship, such as past due balance, shut off, or inability to pay
Available once per heating season (October 1 – September 30)
Call SNAP for an Emergency Share appointment: 509-456-SNAP
Avista Emergency Assistance – LIRAP Share
Spokane County Household
Avista Customers Only
No income restrictions
Hardship, such as past due balance, shut off, or inability to pay
Available once per season (October 1 – September 30)
Call SNAP for an Emergency Share appointment: 509-456-SNAP
Avista My Energy Discount WA
Call SNAP 509-456-SNAP or Avista: TDB
Avista Arrearage Management
Spokane County Household
Avista Customers Only
Income is between 51% and 200% FPL
Must have a past-due balance and have exhausted all other forms of assistance
Call SNAP for a referral: 509-456-SNAP
Free Wood Program
In partnership with Airway Heights Correctional Center
For those who live in Spokane County
Between 0 and 75% FPL
Wood must be your primary heat source
Call SNAP for a referral: 509-456-SNAP
As wood remains available
Water Assistance Programs:
U-HELP Water Assistance
City of Spokane Utility Customers ONLY
No income restrictions
Must owe at least $100 at time of enrollment AND be at least 60 days past-due
Available once per year
Learn more HERE
Call SNAP for a referral: 509-456-SNAP
Other Emergency Services:
Furnace Repair
Spokane County households
Homeowner
Between 0 and 150% FPL
MUST also have an approved Energy Assistance heat grant in the current season
Call SNAP for a referral: 509-456-SNAP
Air Cooling/Purification
Spokane County households
Between 0 and 150% FPL
MUST also have an approved Energy Assistance heat grant in the current season
Renters AND owners eligible
Call SNAP for a referral: 509-456-SNAP
Have you already received Energy Assistance and are experiencing hardship? Please contact SNAP. Resources and referrals may be available:
Contact us below:
Preparing for energy assistance:
You must reside within Spokane County. Grants are dependent on funding currently available.
- A guide to gathering documents for your upcoming appointment. If possible, try to prepare as many of the following documents as possible:
- Proof of address. EX: A current utility bill.
- One month of household income for all members 18+. EX: Pay stubs, child support, SSI, SSA, SSD, TANF, retirement, unemployment, self-employment, etc.
- Other documentation may be requested
We encourage you to continue working with your heating company to keep current on payments. As possible, keep them informed of the steps you are taking to get current.