Utility Assistance Programs

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Our assistance programs

The City of Olympia offers two programs to assist utility customers facing financial hardship, Helping Neighbors and Lifeline Rates. Read about each program to see if you qualify and how to apply (each program has a separate qualifications and application process).

Income limits

For assistance programs, combined annual gross household income must be the amount listed below for the number of people per family.

Number in household Combined household income
1 $40,850
2 $46,700
3 $52,550
4 $58,530
Updated July 2025

The income amounts for eligibility are reviewed and updated annually. For households with more than four family members, please call 360.753.8340 for income limits.

Helping Neighbors

The Helping Neighbors program collects voluntary donations to help low income customers pay their utility costs. The program is a partnership with the Community Action Council , a local non-profit, that will determine eligibility and administer funds to qualified low-income households.

New for July 2025
Eligible customers can now receive a $150 voucher once per calendar year, to be used to pay for City of Olympia utility services. Funds are available on a first come, first serve basis.

How to donate

Look for the Helping Neighbors section of your utility bill and mark how much you would like to donate. 100% of the donations go to helping those in need. The City has contributed one-time startup funds to the program, in accordance with State laws. Contact your personal tax representative to learn how this donation is tax-deductible.

Once you donate to this program, you will see the donation amount listed on your next utility bill. If you do not wish to donate again, do not pay the donation amount. The Helping Neighbors donation line item will be removed from your future bills.

How to get assistance

  1. Your account must be past due.
  2. You must qualify under the income limits above.
  3. Call the Community Action Council at 360.438.1100 to set up an appointment. They will help you apply for the Helping Neighbors program.

Lifeline rates

The City of Olympia offers Lifeline (discounted) utility rates for customers who qualify. Lifeline rates are 50% of the standard utility rate for Water, Solid Waste, Sewer, and Stormwater. Once you qualify for the program, the Lifeline rate becomes effective on your next billing cycle.

This rate applies to residential customers only.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for Lifeline rates, you must be either:

  • Low-income and disabled, or
  • Low-income and 62 years of age or older
For the purpose of our Lifeline program, low income is defined as 50% below the median family income for Thurston County. Proof of disability will require:

  • A copy of your Social Security disability statement, or
  • City of Olympia Disability Attestation Form, or
  • Property Tax Disability Exemption certificate, or
  • Veteran of the Armed Forces with a combined service-connected evaluation of 80% higher; or a total disability rating for a service-connected disability without regard to evaluation percent, or
  • A copy of parking placard ID card issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing for certain debilitating conditions

How to apply

  1. Complete the Lifeline Rate Application (below)
  2. Provide proof of income with your application. A copy of your tax return for the preceding calendar year must be provided. For residents who do not file an IRS tax return, you must provide documentation of all income.
  3. Mail the completed application and all required materials to:

    City of Olympia, Utility Billing
    P.O. Box 7966
    Olympia, WA 98507

Lifeline rates application

Disability attestation form

Other assistance

If you are attempting to get assistance with your electricity or gas bill, please contact Puget Sound Energy at 888.225.5773.