Get Help with Your Benton PUD Bill

Benton PUD bills can be expensive but there are assistance programs that may be able to help you pay your bill! The information we are going to share today can help you pay off a past due balance or even get help with your future bills!

In this article, we’re going to review the various government programs, local initiatives and nonprofits that can help you pay your Benton PUD bill.

Government Assistance Programs

Benton PUD customers in Washington have access to state and federal assistance programs for managing utility costs.

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers financial aid to eligible low-income households for heating and cooling expenses, potentially covering utility payments and providing emergency aid during energy crises.
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps low-income families by improving their homes’ energy efficiency through measures like insulation and heating system upgrades, aimed at reducing energy consumption and enhancing living conditions.

Benton PUD Assistance Programs

Benton PUD also offers some bill pay assistance programs that can help you. If you can’t afford the full cost of your bill or if you need help managing your ongoing expenses, here are some ways that they may be able to help.

Helping Hands Program

You can receive a $300 credit on your Benton PUD bill through the Helping Hands Program. If you qualify, you can receive this credit every 12 months!

In order to qualify, you must meet these requirements:

• You must have a household income that is 225% of the Federal Poverty Level or less for your household size.
• You must have a past-due balance or a financial need.

If you do not have a past due balance, you will need to prove that you have a financial need. Benton PUD has some strict rules about what they consider a need. If you don’t owe them money already, you will need to show that you meet one of these additional requirements:

• You had an emergency financial expense, like a car repair; OR
• Your household income was reduced by 25% or more; OR
• Your household rent was increased by 25% or more; OR
• You have received a pay or vacate notice; OR
• You are past due on your mortgage or facing foreclosure.

If you qualify, you will need to contact Community Action in order to get this assistance. That’s the agency in charge of screening applicants for this program. You will need to bring a lot of documentation to your CAC appointment, including Social Security cards and ID for all household members, proof of address and more.

Low Income Discount

Benton PUD also offers a Low Income Discount as well. This program can help reduce the amount of your Benton PUD bill by up to 25% if you qualify!

In order to qualify for this discount, you must meet at least one of these criteria:

• You are over age 62; OR
• You have a qualifying idsability; OR
• You have a veteran in your household; OR
• You are serving in the military; OR
• You are a widow or widower

The amount of your discount will depend on how much money you make compared to your household size. The biggest discounts are reserved for the lowest income earners, as shown in this chart:

• 25% Discount requires you to earn 150% of the Federal Poverty Level or less
• 15% Discount requires you to earn between 151% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
• 10% Discount is for those who earn between 200% and 225% of the Federal Poverty Level.

It appears that Community Action is also in charge of processing applications for this discount as well. You will need to contact them to apply.

More Help with Benton PUD Bills

There are more ways that you can get help with your Benton PUD bill as well! If you need help with your bill, be sure to contact these organizations for relief!

Salvation Army Tri-Cities

The Salvation Army offers utility assistance to individuals and families struggling to pay their utility bills, aiming to prevent service disconnections. Through their emergency assistance programs, they provide financial support to help cover the cost of heating and cooling homes.

For more detailed information on how to apply for utility assistance through The Salvation Army, it’s best to contact your local Salvation Army office.

Veteran Assistance Fund

Benton County has a Veteran Assistance Fund that can provide financial assistance for low income veterans in the area. It is not clear how much this fund can contribute toward your Benton PUD bill.

This program can provide assistance with your utility bills. They can also help with food, rent, burial assistance (up to $1,000), hotel vouchers, bus passes, dental assistance, child care and other critical needs.

You must be a veteran or the family of a veteran to qualify. Survivors who are related to deceased veterans may also be eligible. Contact the Benton and Franklin County Department of Human Services for more information.

Relief Recap

This article has outlined several ways that you can get help with your Benton PUD bills, including assistance from the government, local organizations and even the company itself. You’ll need to contact the providers on this list to get financial assistance with your bill.

Nicole Thelin

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.