Energy Assistance Program - LIHEAP & PSE HELP

Agency: Hopelink - Bellevue

14812 Main St
Bellevue, WA, 98007 Map
Phone: (800) 348 - 7144
Hours: Appointment Line: 24 hours daily; operators available M-Th, 9-11am. Hopelink Office: M-F, 8:30am-5pm.
Email: hopelink@hope-link.org

Service Description

Provides financial assistance to income-eligible households to help with heating and other energy bills. Qualified households will have a fixed amount paid to the utility company toward their bills depending on their housing type, household income and energy use. Program also provides limited assistance for furnace repair and replacement, and offers referrals to weatherization and insulation programs. Funding provided by the federal Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and by Puget Sound Energy's Home Energy Lifetime Program (PSE HELP). Appointment line gives prompts in English, Russian and Spanish. Operators speak English, Russian and Spanish, and have access to interpreter services.

Features

Accessibility features: Wheelchair accessible
Days of the Week: Friday; Monday; Saturday; Sunday; Thursday; Tuesday; Wednesday
Hours of Service: Available after 5pm
Languages other than English: Interpreter services; Russian; Spanish
Payment options: Free

Eligibility

Geographic restrictions apply. Overdue bill and/or shut-off notice NOT required. Social Security Number NOT required. Eligible residents may receive assistance twice per program year (once per funding source, when applicable). Household income must be at or below 150% of poverty level (based on family size) for PSE HELP funds, and at or below 125% of poverty level (based on family size) for LIHEAP funds.

Application Instructions

Call the Energy Assistance Appointment Line for central intake to make an appointment at Hopelink. Appointment line is automated, so calls can be made any time, 24 hours daily. Phone line automatically makes a certain number of appointment slots available each day. Call once per day until offered an appointment time. Be prepared to listen closely to the recording and write down all documentation required at the appointment. NO WALK-IN SERVICES. Clients with emergencies should call the "Energy Assistance: Heat Already Shut Off" line at (425) 869-6027and expect to reach voicemail at Hopelink. Leave as detailed a message as possible, including client's name & phone, shut-off date and name of utility provider. Hopelink will return these calls as soon as possible. Mail applications are accepted from people who are house bound and from anyone else preferring a telephone, rather than in-person, appointment. Documents Required: Social Security cards or legal document indicating name and Social Security number for all household members; verification of household income for previous three months; picture ID with birthdate for applicant; current heating or energy bill; disconnect notice (if applicable); and current proof of address.

Fees

None.

Business Hours

Office: M-F, 8:30am-5pm. Pantry Hours: Last name A-L: 1st and 3rd Th, 11am-1pm; Last name M-Z: 2nd and 4th Th, 11am-1pm. Seniors/disabled: 1st and 3rd Tu, 10am-1:30pm. Students/working clients: 2nd and 4th Tu, 5:30-7pm.

Area Served

No restrictions for Bus Buddy, HDS, IDA Program, or RotaCare Clinic. Budget Counseling and Legal Clinic: North and East King County. All Other Programs: ZIP codes 98004, 98005, 98006, 98007, 98008, 98009, 98015, 98039 - Medina, 98040 - Mercer Island, 98056 - Newcastle (outside Renton city limits) and 98059 - Newcastle (outside Renton city limits).

Websites

http://www.hope-link.org

Last Update

8/26/2010