Seattle utility customers can now apply for the Utility Discount Program at each of the five sites of the year-old Seattle Financial Empowerment Center.
The program offers up to 50 percent off monthly utility bills (City Light and Seattle Public Utilities) for qualified Seattle residents. To qualify, a family of four must earn a monthly income at or below $59,292. Income guidelines can be found here.
Seattle Financial Empowerment Center is operated by Neighborhood House, which runs a full-time site in Rainier Vista, plus four satellites, including the Opportunity Center for Employment & Education at North Seattle College. Most sites offer counseling in multiple languages, including Vietnamese, Somali, Nepali/Hindi and Spanish.
While visiting the Financial Empowerment Center, residents can check their eligibility for other city benefit programs such as reduced cable TV service, reduced internet and phone service, and the $20 Car Tab Rebate that was just started in June of this year. Clients are also encouraged to take advantage of other FEC programs including obtaining a free or low fee bank account, a free credit report, debt management & consolidation for qualified customers, free tax preparation and assistance building saving plans.
The Financial Empowerment Center will have Utility Discount Representatives available on Tuesdays from 9 to 4. Interested parties should check appointment availability by calling 206.923.6555 or by checking the website at fec.Seattle.gov.
