Hardship Assistance

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Utility Payment Assistance Support agencies

Helping Hands – Benton Franklin Community Action Committee

The City of Richland’s Helping Hands funds are available for qualifying customers. The Helping Hands program is administered for The City of Richland by Community Action Connections (CAC). Please contact CAC at 509-545-4042 for information on applying for and receiving funds.

If you wish to donate, complete the helping hands form and return with your payment or mail to City of Richland, Attn: Customer Service Office, MS-10, 625 Swift Blvd., Richland, WA 99352. Donations can be made through a one-time payment, rounding up your utility bill, or setting a specific amount to donate each month. You may participate, modify or cancel at any time.

St. Vincent de Paul

The mission of the CK Society is to help meet the needs of the poor in our community while following the rule of St. Vincent. Clients' requests include utility assistance, furniture, transportation and other short needs. Members also refer clients to other organizations for additional help. For assistance, please contact the SVdP message line at 509-946-1325.

Additional Resources

Low-Income Senior, Disabled Utility Discounts

Customers may be eligible to receive discounts on utility services. Discounts are based on income level and meeting qualifications outlined in the Richland Municipal Code 3.29 – Utility Low Income Program. For additional information, visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/myutilities or contact Customer Service at 509-942-1104 or CustomerService@ci.richland.wa.us.

Equalized Payment Plan

Our equalized payment plan allows you to pay a set amount on utilities each month. This service makes utility costs more predictable for citizens despite fluctuations in usage as seasons change. Equalized payment plans are based on your previous 12-months of utility bills and reconciled twice a year.

Housing Programs

City of Richland Development Services

509-942-7580

Benton Franklin Community Action Committee LIHEAP

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps households maintain affordable, dependable utility services and avoid disconnection during the winter months. The LIHEAP program is a federally funded program that assists eligible applicants with heating costs for low-income households below 150% of the FPL dealing with financial challenges of increasing energy bills. Contact Community Action Connection (CAC) for information regarding LIHEAP 509-545-4042 or visit their website at www.bfcac.org.

Benton County Human Services

Benton County offers services to customers who are in need. Services assist with housing, development disabilities, jobs, emergency services, community resources, and more. BFHS is located at 7102 W. Okanogan Place, Suite 201, Kennewick, WA 99336 and can be reached at 509-783-5284. For more information, visit their website at www.co.benton.wa.us.

Department of Social and Health Services

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) offers emergency programs. These programs can include emergency funds to help cover basic needs such as food, housing and assistance paying utility bills. Go to DSHS's website or contact a case worker for information about available programs.

Washington 2-1-1

Washington 2-1-1 helps connect you to community resources state wide and has the latest information about assistance that may be available including utility assistance, transportation, food and shelter and many others. Dial 211 from any phone to connect with a representative or visit www.wa211.org.