Energy Assistance Program - LIHEAP and PSE HELP

Agency: Hopelink - Kirkland/Northshore

11011 120th Ave NE
Kirkland, WA, 98033 Map
Phone: (800) 348 - 7144
Hours: Appointment Line: 24 hours daily; operators available M-F, 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
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) 869-6027 and 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. All clients will be required to bring the following to the first visit: 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. Mail applications are accepted from people who are house bound and from anyone else preferring a telephone, rather than in-person, appointment.

Fees

None.

Business Hours

Office: M-F, 8:30am-5pm. Food Pantry: M W, 10am-4pm; Tu Th, noon-6:30pm.

Area Served

ZIP codes 98033, 98034, 98011, 98012, 98021, 98028, 98072 and 98077.

Websites

http://www.hope-link.org

Last Update

8/26/2010