Energy Assistance PROGRAM
Funded by the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
This year, there will be one 3-week application period ONLY for the entire energy season.
About Energy Assistance
The 2026-2027 Energy Assistance season starts on October 1, 2026. We have a new way to apply this year. We hope this will make applying easier. Please read the important changes below before you apply.
In past years, there were several times to apply during the season. Some applications were by phone, and some were online. This year, there will be one 3-week application window: September 1-22, 2026, for the whole season. During this time, you can apply by phone or online. This year, the application system will stay open for the full 3 weeks, no matter how many applications we get. You do not need to rush. You can call or apply online any time from September 1 through September 22. This helps people who have slow internet, need help using a computer or phone, or cannot apply right when the window opens.
You can download and print our energy assistance flyer here. This flyer has all the information you’ll need to apply.
We will do two random drawings from eligible applications to create this season’s lists. An Energy Specialist will contact selected applicants by phone during business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm). If your application was drawn, it may take us up to 180 days to reach out to you. We appreciate your patience!
If an Energy Specialist cannot reach you by phone/email after 3 attempts or by leaving a voicemail with no response, you will be removed from the list of recipients.
If any of your contact information (phone number, mailing address, email address) changes after you apply for assistance, it is your responsibility to notify us of these changes; please call (509) 685-6000.
How to Apply by Phone
If applying by phone, please use the prompt below to provide the information needed to process your application.
Remember: unlike previous years, there is no rush this year to leave your message, so please take your time and provide all information below!
1. Your first and last name (spell your last name)
2. Your phone number, including area code
3. Your physical address (include town/city)
4. Your mailing address, if different from your physical address
5. Total number of household members in your home (including yourself)
6. Your household’s gross (before taxes) monthly income. Include all sources of monies coming into the home, such as earned wages, veterans’ assistance, social security, child support, odd jobs, etc.
7. Please specify if you are/your household includes a senior (60+ years old) or super senior (70+ years old)
8. Please specify if you are/your household includes a disabled person, veteran, or child 5 years old or younger
9. Your email address, if you have one. Please spell out any words in your email address. If you don’t use email, provide any other alternate ways of reaching you.
How to Apply Online
Go directly to the application form link or scan the QR code: surveymonkey.com/r/3J975GQ
Other important information
- The energy season is from October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027.
- The Energy Assistance program helps with part of your heating costs. It does not pay all winter heating costs. You must keep paying your energy bills or you could lose service.
- The Energy Assistance program helps qualified low-income households with a one-time payment each season. This payment helps with home heating needs, no matter what heat source you use.
- There is NO RUSH while leaving a voicemail or applying online like prior years—please take your time!
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- While we would love to provide assistance to everyone, this program is in high demand and we reach our maximum number of applicants extremely quickly on application days. This can understandably lead to disappointment and frustration when not everyone can be accommodated. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to administer this program in a fair and equitable way with limited resources and funding.
- This service is for residents of Stevens, Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Lincoln counties ONLY. If you live in a different county, find out who your energy service provider is here.
- This program is for qualifying households whose monthly income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. For a chart of qualifying income levels, click here.
- Filling out an energy assistance application is only the first step to receiving assistance. After your application is reviewed, you'll meet with a Rural Resources staff member to determine your full eligibility.
- While we would love to provide assistance to everyone, this program is in high demand and we reach our maximum number of applicants extremely quickly on application days. This can understandably lead to disappointment and frustration when not everyone can be accommodated. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to administer this program in a fair and equitable way with limited resources and funding.
- Please reach out to us with any questions at (509) 685-6000. Thank you!
- Rural Resources Community Action is the official provider in Stevens, Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Lincoln counties for Washington's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
This Energy program is a supplement and not meant to pay all of your winter heating costs. You must continue to pay your energy bills.
Applying does not guarantee eligibility or assistance. Funds are provided on a first come, first served basis until exhausted. Funding is not guaranteed.