Everett expands its water utility bill assistance program for low-income customers

The City of Everett is enhancing its water utility bill assistance program to aid low-income residents at risk of having their water services disconnected, effective January 1, 2025. Notably, seniors will now qualify for partial assistance even if they currently receive discounts from Everett Utilities. The maximum annual benefit is set to increase from $500 to $700, an amount that approximates four months of water bills for an average single-family household in Everett. This expansion is part of a renewed partnership with Catholic Community Services to administer the assistance program, an agreement ratified by the City Council in August 2024. Eligible participants are primarily those with individual single-family water connections, who have received a shutoff notice and fall at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

The program is funded by utility rates and aims to alleviate financial burdens on families. Success stories from the initiative illustrate its importance, including assistance provided to a single mother, a disabled veteran, and a hardworking father. For more information about this and other assistance options, residents can visit everettwa. gov/billassist.