Overview
For families on fixed or limited incomes, utility bills can be one of the most unpredictable and stressful expenses of the year. Washington State and local utility companies offer several programs to help, from one-time heating bill assistance to year-round discounts specifically for customers with disabilities. This page maps every utility assistance option available to Benton and Franklin County residents, from federal programs to local hardship funds.
One important flag: LIHEAP, the primary federal utility assistance program, faces significant funding uncertainty in 2026. While Congress preserved $4.05 billion in federal funding for FY2026 (down from prior years), applying early remains critical since funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until exhausted.
LIHEAP — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The primary federally funded heating assistance program in Washington State, administered locally by Community Action Connections (CAC) for Benton and Franklin Counties. LIHEAP helps eligible households with heating costs, electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil, wood, pellets, or heat included in rent.
Benefit amounts (FY2026):
- Heating assistance: $250 minimum, $1,250 maximum
- Crisis assistance: up to $13,000 (for emergencies such as shutoff notices or broken furnaces)
- Weatherization: up to $20,000 (see below)
Income eligibility: At or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households may apply once per program year (October 1–September 30). Washington is a year-round state, but funds run out… applying early matters.
Eligibility requirements:
- Benton or Franklin County resident
- U.S. citizen or legal resident (or at least one household member qualifies)
- Active heating account: electricity, natural gas, propane, oil, wood, pellets, or heat included in rent
- Household income at or below 150% FPL for the prior month
How to apply:
Contact CAC directly to schedule an appointment. Only one application per household per program year is permitted.
Community Action Connections — Pasco (Main Office)
720 W. Court St. (upstairs), Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 545-4042
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–11:30 AM and 1:00 PM–4:30 PM
CAC Prosser Office
424 6th St., Suite 2, Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-3379
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:00 AM–11:30 AM and 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
CAC Energy Assistance | LIHEAP Application Info
SHEAP — State Home Energy Assistance Program
A Washington State-funded program through the Climate Commitment Act, administered alongside LIHEAP by CAC. SHEAP assists with home electric energy needs for households at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Critical distinction: SHEAP is the only utility assistance program available to all income-eligible residents regardless of citizenship or immigration status. All Benton and Franklin County residents who meet income guidelines may apply.
Contact CAC at (509) 545-4042 to apply, SHEAP is processed through the same appointment as LIHEAP.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Also administered by CAC, the Weatherization program provides free energy-efficiency improvements to income-eligible homes including insulation, air sealing, furnace tune-ups, ventilation fans, weather stripping, and heating system repairs. These improvements permanently reduce energy bills rather than just helping with one month’s payment.
Eligibility:
- Homeowners: annual income below 200% of the federal poverty level
- Renters: landlord agreement required
Contact CAC to apply. Weatherization is a separate program from LIHEAP/SHEAP but uses the same intake process.
Local Utility Company Programs
Each local utility company in Benton and Franklin Counties offers its own hardship assistance and discount programs — some specifically for customers with disabilities.
Benton PUD — Low-Income Senior and Disabled Discount
A 10%, 15%, or 25% monthly bill discount based on household income, available to:
- Seniors age 62 or older (Senior Low-Income Discount)
- Customers with a household member who is disabled (Disabled Low-Income Discount) — income must be at or below 225% of the federal poverty level
To apply for the Disabled Low-Income Discount, call Community Action Connections at (509) 545-4042. Applications also available on the Benton PUD website.
bentoncountypud.org
Franklin PUD — Senior and Disabled Discounts
- Senior Discount: 15% or 30% off for customers age 62+ depending on annual income
- Disabled Discount: 30% off for customers who qualify for special parking privileges, are blind, disabled, or handicapped, with annual income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level
Applications available on the Franklin PUD website or by calling (509) 547-5591.
franklinpud.com
Franklin PUD — Helping Hands
An emergency assistance fund for Franklin PUD customers in need, funded by customer donations and administered by Community Action Connections.
Contact CAC: (509) 545-4042
City of Kennewick Utilities — Helping Hands
Customer-donated funds collected through utility statements and distributed by CAC to Kennewick utility customers pending disconnection or already disconnected for non-payment. Must be below federal poverty limits set by the utility.
Contact CAC: (509) 545-4042
City of Richland Utilities — Helping Hands
Same customer-donation model as Kennewick, administered by CAC for Richland utility customers facing disconnection.
Contact CAC: (509) 545-4042
Cascade Natural Gas — CARES and Winter Help Programs
Assistance programs for income-eligible Cascade Natural Gas customers. Eligibility determined by state and federal guidelines.
Contact CAC for application assistance: (509) 545-4042
cascadenatgas.com
Washington Telephone Assistance Program (Washington Lifeline)
Free or discounted phone or internet service for eligible low-income households — including those receiving SSI, SNAP, or Medicaid. Administered through the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.
utc.wa.gov/consumers/telephone/lifeline | 1-800-234-9473
What to Bring When Applying
For LIHEAP/SHEAP appointments at CAC, have ready:
- Photo ID for all adults in the household
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Proof of current address
- Proof of all household income for the prior month (pay stubs, SSI/SSDI award letters, TANF paperwork, child support documentation)
- Current utility bill or heating account information
- If heat is included in rent: current lease or landlord statement
For PUD disability discounts: documentation of disability (parking placard, SSI/SSDI award letter, or physician letter) and proof of income.
If You’re Facing Immediate Shutoff
Don’t wait for an appointment. Contact your utility company immediately when you receive a shutoff notice, most utilities are required to work with you on a payment plan before disconnection. Then call CAC at (509) 545-4042 and explain you have a shutoff notice, crisis assistance under LIHEAP is specifically designed for this situation and moves faster than standard heating assistance.
Also call 2-1-1 — their specialists maintain real-time information on which hardship funds currently have money available, including smaller church and community funds that aren’t listed here.
Community Action Connections | Benton PUD | Franklin PUD | WA Commerce LIHEAP | Washington 2-1-1
FAQ
Can my family member qualify for the disabled utility discount even if they’re not elderly?
Yes, both Benton PUD and Franklin PUD offer separate disabled discounts that do not require the customer to be age 62 or older. Franklin PUD’s 30% disabled discount applies to customers who qualify for special parking privileges, are blind, or are otherwise disabled with income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. Benton PUD’s disabled discount applies to any household with a disabled member at or below 225% of the federal poverty level.
Does receiving LIHEAP affect SSI or other disability benefits?
No. LIHEAP benefits are not counted as income for SSI purposes and do not affect SSI eligibility or payment amounts.
What if I’m undocumented?
LIHEAP requires at least one household member to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. However, SHEAP has no citizenship or immigration status requirement. All income-eligible Benton and Franklin County residents may apply regardless of status. Contact CAC at (509) 545-4042.
Can I apply for both LIHEAP and my utility’s hardship program?
Yes. These are separate programs with separate funding. Applying for LIHEAP does not prevent you from also applying for your utility’s Helping Hands fund or senior/disabled discount. CAC can help you identify all programs you may qualify for in a single appointment.
What if I rent and my heat is included in my rent?
You may still qualify for LIHEAP, Washington State allows LIHEAP assistance when heat is included in rent. Contact CAC and let them know your situation when scheduling your appointment.
