Frequently Asked Questions

When you sign up for Energy Assistance, we ask that you attend a Hope University workshop or watch a Hope University video online. More information can be found here.

Our waitlist for assistance, particularly during the fall and winter months, is often long. You may not hear from our staff for a couple of months after you have signed up. When your name reaches the top of the list, you will receive a postcard or email regarding the documents you will need to provide. Once you receive the postcard or email, you will need to email, mail, or drop off your documents and then our intake staff will contact you to complete your appointment.

All the documents listed below are necessary, so preparing in advance is helpful, but please do not email or drop off documents until they are requested. Carefully read the list of what documents will be required and call the HopeSource office with any questions.

These are the documents you will need to provide:

1. Photo ID for every person in the household over the age of 18.

2. Social Security Cards (legible copies are acceptable) for every person in the household. If someone does not have a physical Social Security card, we accept any official document that states the person's name and their Social Security number (e.g., W-2 statement, paystub, Social Security statement, etc.) If the person has never been issued a social security number, they can provide other documentation showing U.S. citizenship or a documented immigrant status eligible to receive federal public benefits. A household may still be eligible for a benefit even if everyone in the household cannot provide this documentation.

3. All income documentation for every person in the household over the age of 18 for the month before the appointment (e.g., if the appointment is in January, then you will need income documentation for December). If someone in the household age 18 or older has not earned income during the previous month, they will be required to sign a "Declaration of No Income" form. Sample income sources and types of documentation required are listed below: 

• Employment: Pay stubs, employer income verification computer printout.

• Unemployment:  Pay stubs or computer printout from the unemployment office.

• Self-Employment: Monthly profit/loss statements, bookkeeping records, receipts, or IRS records.

• L&I:  Payment stubs or printout from L&I.

• TANF/GAU: Award letters or printout from DSHS.

• SSI/SSA:  Award letters(s), copy of checks, or bank statements if direct deposit.

• Pension:  Award letter(s), copy of checks of VA statement.

• Financial  Aid: Award letter.

• Child  Support/Alimony: Copy of checks, divorce decree, print out for support  enforcement.

• Rental  Income: Receipts of statements from tenant.

• Zero Income: Declaration of No Income. You may obtain a "Declaration of No Income" form from a HopeSource staff member.

4. Last/Most Recent utility bill or receipt (must include name and account information).

5. Other Heat Source Documentation, e.g., oil, propane, pellets, etc. (if applicable): Your last monthly bill or receipt that lists your account information.

6. 24 Hour/Final Shut-Off Notice (if applicable).

7. Verification of Current Physical Address: Utility bill in applicant's name, driver's license, rent receipt, etc.

Because of the volume of requests for Energy Assistance, it’s very important that you respond to our request for your documents in a timely manner. If you do not provide us with documents, we will attempt to contact you via phone and email, but if we are unable to reach you, you will need to resubmit your application, placing you at the bottom of the list and delaying your financial assistance.

HopeSource receives many Energy Assistance requests every year. Due to the high volume of requests, especially in the fall and early winter, it may be up to 3 months before we are able to schedule you for an appointment. If you have not been contacted about an appointment within 2-3 months of your request for Energy Assistance, you may call our office at 509-925-1448 to make sure we have received your information and that we have your correct name and address. Please do not submit your information more than once.

Please contact us and let us know your situation even if you have already submitted your information to receive an Energy Assistance appointment. We reserve a set number of appointments each week for people in crisis situations. Please note that you will be required to provide proof of your 24-hour/final shut-off notice.

Oftentimes, you can call your utility provider and tell them that you have an appointment with HopeSource, and they will not disconnect your power. You should also communicate this information to your HopeSource intake worker. We do not, however, have the authority to stop a utility company from shutting off your power. 

On average it takes 4-8 weeks from the date you sign the final form for your Energy Assistance to the date it appears on your utility bill as a credit. 

If the person cannot provide a social security card, they can provide other documentation showing U.S. citizenship or a documented immigrant status eligible to receive federal public benefits. A household may still be eligible for a benefit even if everyone in the household cannot provide this documentation.

The income of all household members is counted regardless of status, but the household size is equal to the number of household members with documentation showing U.S. citizenship or a documented immigrant status eligible to receive federal public benefits.

HopeSource may be able to assist with fixing your heating device depending on the type of device, the cost of repairs, available funds, and home ownership. We also may be able to help with a cooling or indoor air quality crisis by providing an AC unit or air purifier depending on your age, medical condition, available funds and/or Emergency Wildfire Declaration.