Unexpected expenses and financial emergencies can make it difficult for households to keep up with essential utility bills. Emergency bill assistance can help customers address an outstanding balance and reduce the risk of service disconnection.
Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle City Light are expanding access to emergency assistance by increasing the income eligibility limit to 80% of the Area Median Income. For a two‑person household, the maximum annual income is increasing from $76,548 to $105,405. For a one‑person household, the limit is rising from $58,536 to $92,160.
Area Median Income better reflects the cost of living in the Seattle region. This change will help more customers qualify for support when they need it most. This expansion goes into effect in January 2027.
More SPU Customers Will Be Eligible for Emergency Assistance
Seattle Public Utilities’ Emergency Assistance Program provides credits toward an eligible customer’s current water, sewer, and garbage balance.
By expanding income eligibility, the number of customers who may qualify for the program will increase from approximately 26,000 to 36,000 customers.
SPU expects the expansion will provide approximately $1 million more in emergency assistance each year, helping more customers manage financial hardships and prevent water service shutoffs.
How SPU Emergency Assistance Works
For 2026, eligible SPU customers can receive up to $1,074 toward their current outstanding water, sewer, and garbage balance.
Under the current program:
- Households without children younger than 18 may receive up to $537 each year.
- Households with children younger than 18 may receive up to $1,074 each year.
The program expansion will remove the distinction based on the age of household members, allowing eligible customers to access the full assistance available through the program.
Assistance Is Also Available for Electricity Bills
Seattle City Light offers a similar emergency assistance program for customers who are behind on their electricity bills.
Eligible customers may receive:
- $710 or more toward a past-due Seattle City Light balance
- An additional $250 credit through Project Share
The expanded income eligibility will also help more Seattle City Light customers access emergency assistance.
Program benefits and available credit amounts may depend on a customer’s account balance and individual circumstances.
Helping Customers Avoid Service Disruptions
Emergency assistance is intended for customers experiencing a temporary financial hardship who need immediate help addressing a utility balance.
Expanding eligibility will help Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle City Light reach more households before an unpaid balance becomes a larger financial burden or leads to a service disconnection.
Customers do not need to wait until their service is at immediate risk to explore available assistance. Payment plans, discounts, and other affordability programs may also be available.
Find Utility Bill Help
Customers can learn about emergency assistance, monthly utility discounts, payment plans, and other affordability resources at Utility Bill Help.
Even if you have not qualified for assistance in the past, expanded income eligibility may make new support available to your household.
Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle City Light will continue working to make essential utility services accessible and connect customers with help when they need it most.