Some Aid and Assistance offered by government in the Washington King County area: (updated 2/15/12)

Entity Discount Information
City of Seattle-Electric

Discounted Rates: Saves about 60 percent off utility bills for low-income families (e.g. 2 people max yearly Gross $40,020).
Seattle.gov/light/assistance/   as of 5/1/2014
Weatherization Grants. Assists low-income homeowners with weatherization so they use less energy.

Project Share. Helps customers in crisis pay their bills. funded by Seattle City Light customer voluntary contributors.
Federal Energy Assistance Programs: CAMP(Central Area Motiation Program), Hopelink (north King County) and South King County Multi-service Centers all offer financial help and budget counseling.
City of SeattleAssistance
Puget Sound Energy
Home Energy Lifeline Program

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program bill credits from the Federal government (up to $1000)

 
Washington Telephone Assistance

Discount on monthly basic service. Eligible persons pay $8 plus taxes per month for basic service (includes unlimited local calling).
Or eligible households can select a cell phone with 250 free minutes and 250 free texts per month (see section below).5/1/14
http://www.dshs.wa.gov/wtap.shtml

WIC Nutrition Program $100 for two per month for food plus free health screening (for mothers w/ children under 5) In addition to Food Stamps. If you receive Medicaid or Healthy Options, you are automatically eligible for WIC.
Medicaid In addition to SSDI.
Public Housing Assistance-6 programs

Make less than 80% of median income, receive housing, pay 30% of income for rent and utilities (in 2008 this was $68,404). This would mean pay $1,368/mo. maximum for public housing and utilities.

http://www.seattlehousing.org/housing/
Comcast / Wave Cable

Discounts of $4/month for basic cable

 
Free Toilet and installation
  • You are a homeowner of any age with a Seattle Public Utilities account.
  • You currently live in the home you own.
  • Your existing toilets were manufactured before 1994.
  • You meet income guidelines for your household size (examples below)
    Household Size Annual Income
    1 person $28,560
    2 persons $37,344
    3 persons $46,140
    4 persons $54,924

http://www.seattle.gov/util/services/water/reduce_water_use/lowincometoiletoffer/
City of Seattle Discount Summary

 

Link to 2011 Directory
Free Cell Phone

Qualifying in Washington State:

  1. Already participate in one of the following assistance programs:

    • Community Options Program Entry System (COPES)
    • Disability Lifeline (formerly General Assistance)
    • DSHS Chore Service
    • Medical Assistance (including Medicare cost-sharing programs)
    • Refugee Assistance
    • State Family Assistance (SFA)
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP (Food Stamps)
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

    OR

  2. Total household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). The table below provides the maximum income you can have to be eligible for service.

    Number Persons
    in Household    		 Annual Income Monthly Income
    1 $14,702 $1,225
    2 $19,859 $1,655
    3 $25,016 $2,085
    4 $30,173 $2,514
    5 $35,330 $2,944
    6 $40,487 $3,374
    7 $45,644 $3,804
    8 $50,801 $4,233
    For each additional person, add... $5,157 $430

This service is funded from the Universal Service Fund fee on local phone service. As of February, 2012, the fee was $1.03, assessed at 17.9% of the Federal Access Charge (which is currently $5.77). For Cell phone users, the fee was $1.96/mo.
Reduced Fares on Regional Transportation

$3/month provides discounted fares on buses/ferries, etc. for those age 65 or older, or disabled

http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/accessible/reduced_fare_permit.html

 


 

Seattle Power & Light fuel-mix portions for 2008: (from their invoice)

Hydro 88.83%
Nuclear 5.68%
Wind 3.43%
Coal 1.38%
Natural Gas 0.58%
Other* 0.10%

*includes biomass, waste, and petroleum