Financial assistance for low-income, older, and disabled homeowners and renters
26 programs listed · 24 verified against the program's own website
If you own or rent a home in Washington and you are living on a low income, are an older adult, or have a disability, this page lists the help available to you. Verified July 25, 2026.
Two starting points cover most of what follows. For repair, weatherization, and energy bill help, everything runs through a local agency rather than the state, so find yours on the Department of Commerce weatherization directory at commerce.wa.gov/weatherization or the energy assistance map at fortress.wa.gov/com/liheappublic/map.aspx, or simply call 2-1-1. If you are 60 or older, a Tribal member 55 or older, or an adult with a disability, your other front door is the Area Agency on Aging for your county, listed by county at dshs.wa.gov/altsa/resources. For property tax, call the Department of Revenue at 360-534-1400 or your county assessor.
If you are thinking about sharing your home: Washington splits cleanly in two on this question. On the property tax programs, the law counts your income, your spouse or domestic partner’s income, and the income of a co-tenant, which means someone living with you who also holds an ownership interest in the house. Someone who simply rents a room from you and owns no share of the property is not a co-tenant, so their earnings are not added to yours. What does change is that rent you collect is your own income, and the calculation starts from your federal adjusted gross income, so ask your county assessor how the rent will be treated before anyone moves in. The energy programs work the other way. LIHEAP, the Puget Sound Energy Bill Discount Rate, and the Seattle Utility Discount Program all count the income of everyone living in the home. Another adult raises your household size, which helps, and raises your counted income, which can hurt, so the net effect depends on what they earn. The Washington FAIR Plan, SHIBA Medicare counseling, the assistive technology program, and the state accessory dwelling unit law have no income test at all, so sharing your home does not affect them.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Home and Community Living Administration (Home and Community Services), through local Area Agencies on Aging
What you get
Pays for minor physical modifications to the home: ramps, grab bars, widened doorways, bathroom modifications, specialized electrical and plumbing for medical equipment, and lift systems not covered by insurance. No published dollar cap; costs above the standard rate maximum require an Exception to Rule (Long-Term Care Manual chapter revised 05/2026)
Who qualifies
18 or older and blind or disabled, or 65 or older
Income limit
Must meet Medicaid institutional categorically needy financial eligibility and Supplemental Security Income disability criteria; no separate published dollar figure
How to apply
Ask for a CARE assessment through your local Home and Community Services office or Area Agency on Aging; find yours through the county list at dshs.wa.gov/altsa/resources
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP)
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Washington Assistive Technology Act Program, based at the University of Washington
What you get
Free short-term device loans, device demonstrations, assessments, training, and one-to-one consultation on equipment that helps with aging and disability (2026)
Who qualifies
any age
Income limit
None identified; no income test is described
How to apply
Request a device loan, demonstration, or consultation through watap.org
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Northwest Access Fund Home Modification and Assistive Technology Loans
nonprofitOwners or renters
Type of help
loan
Who runs it
Northwest Access Fund, a nonprofit community development financial institution
What you get
Low-interest loans for home modifications, assistive technology, adapted vehicles, hearing aids, and dentures; rates and amounts are set case by case and are not published (2026)
Who qualifies
any age
Income limit
Not published; loans are underwritten individually and free financial coaching is offered alongside
How to apply
Apply online at nwaccessfund.org or call the toll-free line
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Washington State Department of Commerce, delivered by approved local rehabilitation agencies
What you get
Grants for health, safety, and durability repairs: structural, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, roofing, septic, sewer, water, foundations, hazard removal, and disability-related modifications. No maximum grant published on the program page (2026)
Who qualifies
no age minimum; older adults, people with disabilities, families with children under five, and veterans get priority
Income limit
Household must meet at least one of 200% of the federal poverty level, 80% of area median income, or 60% of state median income (2026)
How to apply
Contact the Commerce-approved rehabilitation agency for your county, listed on the program page; you must own and live in the home and it must be in an eligible rural area
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Home Rehabilitation Loan Program for rural low-income homeowners
stateHomeowners
Type of help
deferred loan
Who runs it
Washington State Department of Commerce
What you get
Deferred loans up to $40,000 for rot removal, structural fixes, energy upgrades, lead and asbestos remediation, accessibility modifications, major system repairs, storm damage, seismic retrofits, and radon mitigation (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Up to 200% of the federal poverty level (2026)
How to apply
Apply through the Commerce-approved local rehabilitation agency for your county, the same network that runs the grant program
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Type of help
loan and grant
Who runs it
USDA Rural Development, Washington state office
Who qualifies
62 or older required for the grant; the loan has no age minimum
Income limit
Very low income, set by county
How to apply
Apply year round through the Washington USDA Rural Development office; rural properties only
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Washington State Department of Commerce, delivered by community action agencies, local governments, and Tribal nations in all 39 counties
What you get
Free energy audit and then insulation, air sealing, weather stripping, ventilation, LED lighting, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, heating and hot water system maintenance, and healthy home education (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or 60% of state median income, or 80% of area median income, whichever your local agency applies (2026)
How to apply
Contact your county's weatherization agency from the directory on the Commerce page, for example Seattle Office of Housing at 206-684-0244, SNAP in Spokane at 509-456-7627, or MDC in Tacoma at 253-593-2336. Commerce does not take applications itself
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Free home upgrades for income-qualified customers that improve comfort and lower energy bills (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Income-qualified; Puget Sound Energy uses 80% of area median income for your county or 200% of the federal poverty level, whichever is greater, for its income-qualified programs (2026)
How to apply
Apply through the assistance programs section at pse.com, or call the bill discount line, which screens you for the other programs at the same time
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
federal-in-stateOwners or renters
Type of help
grant
Who runs it
Washington State Department of Commerce, delivered by local community action agencies, local governments, and Tribal nations
What you get
One-time heating grant paid directly to your energy company, sized by household size, income, and heating cost; also cooling assistance and repair or replacement of an unsafe or broken heating or cooling system (program year October 1 to September 30)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
At or below 150% of the federal poverty level (2026)
How to apply
You cannot apply to the state. Find your county's agency on the Commerce LIHEAP map at fortress.wa.gov/com/liheappublic/map.aspx, or call 2-1-1, then book an appointment. You can apply once per program year
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
An ongoing monthly discount of 5% to 45% off your bill, set by household income and household size (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
80% of area median income for your county or 200% of the federal poverty level, whichever is greater (2026)
How to apply
Apply online at pse.com in a few minutes. In most cases no proof of income is required. Applying also puts you in line for the Home Energy Lifeline Program automatically
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Seattle Human Services Department, with Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities
What you get
60% off the electricity bill and 50% off water, sewer, and garbage every month; average savings of $120 to $205 per month (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Income-qualified; check the eligibility tool on the program page for the current limit by household size
How to apply
Apply online at utilityassistance.seattle.gov or request a paper application by phone. You need photo identification for every adult in the home and income documents from the prior month. Processing takes about 4 to 6 weeks
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Pacific Power, delivered through LIHEAP agency partners
What you get
A year-round discount on the monthly bill for income-eligible households; the discount percentage is not published on the assistance page
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Income-eligible; determined by the LIHEAP agency serving your area
How to apply
Go through the LIHEAP agency partner for your area, listed on the Pacific Power Washington assistance page. Hardship grants for urgent situations are requested through the same agencies
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Cascade Natural Gas low-income assistance (Washington Energy Assistance Fund and Winter Help)
utilityOwners or renters
Type of help
grant
Who runs it
Cascade Natural Gas Corporation, regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
What you get
Washington Energy Assistance Fund grants up to $500 for households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level; Winter Help grants of $50 to $200 at the same income level; LIHEAP grants up to $1,000 for households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
At or below 200% of the federal poverty level for the utility funds, and 150% for LIHEAP (2026)
How to apply
Apply through the local energy assistance agency, or start at the low income assistance page at cngc.com
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Property Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities
stateHomeowners
Type of help
exemption
Who runs it
Washington State Department of Revenue, applications filed with your county assessor
What you get
Freezes the taxable value of your home at its value in the first year you qualify, then exempts you from taxes. At the highest income tier you are exempt from all excess and state property taxes. At the middle tier you are also exempt from regular taxes on the greater of $70,000 or 45% of the home's value, capped at $200,000. At the lowest income tier, on the greater of $80,000 or 60% of the home's value
Who qualifies
61 or older by December 31 of the year you apply, or 57 or older as the surviving spouse or domestic partner of someone who was already receiving the exemption
Income limit
Combined disposable income at or below income threshold 3 for your county, which for taxes levied in 2024 through 2026 is the greater of the prior year's threshold or 70% of the county median household income. Thresholds rise again for 2027 through 2029
How to apply
File with the assessor in the county where you live. Every county has its own application; the Department of Revenue page links to all 39
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities
stateHomeowners
Type of help
deferral
Who runs it
Washington State Department of Revenue, applications filed with your county assessor
What you get
Lets you postpone paying property taxes and special assessments. The state pays them for you and records a lien; the deferred amount accrues 5% simple interest until it is repaid
Who qualifies
61 or older, or retired because of disability
Income limit
Combined disposable income at or below income threshold 3 for your county (2026)
How to apply
File the deferral application with your county assessor
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Washington FAIR Plan (Washington Property Insurance Underwriting Association)
What you get
Basic fire and lightning coverage, with optional extended coverage for windstorm, hail, explosion, and vandalism. Maximum $1,500,000 of insurance at any one location, settled on an actual cash value basis (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
None; eligibility turns on the property, not your income
How to apply
Work with any insurance agent or broker licensed in Washington. FAIR Plan staff do not sell policies directly
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
What you get
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling: plan comparisons, help with coverage problems, and fraud protection (2026)
Who qualifies
Medicare beneficiaries, typically 65 or older, and younger people with disabilities on Medicare
Income limit
None
How to apply
Call the Insurance Consumer Hotline, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and ask to be connected to your local SHIBA office, or submit the online form at insurance.wa.gov
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
The FAIR Plan solves not being able to get coverage; it does not solve not being able to afford it. Check insurance.wa.gov or call the consumer hotline in case something new has launched.
HomeShare-relevant extras
Statewide accessory dwelling unit law (RCW 36.70A.681)
stateHomeowners
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Washington State Legislature; enforced through city and county zoning codes
What you get
Cities and counties must allow at least two accessory dwelling units on lots zoned for single-family homes inside urban growth areas, may not cap the size below 1,000 square feet, and may not require off-street parking within half a mile of a major transit stop (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
None
How to apply
Apply for a building permit through your city or county planning department; local codes must comply with the state minimums
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Free matching service pairing home providers who have a spare bedroom with home seekers who need affordable housing, in exchange for rent, help around the house, or both. Includes interviews, background checks, and compatibility screening (2026)
Who qualifies
adults
Income limit
Not published; the program describes serving low-income home seekers
How to apply
Complete the online home provider or home seeker application at associatedministries.org, or call
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Senior Services for South Sound Home Share Program
nonprofitOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Senior Services for South Sound, a nonprofit serving Thurston County
What you get
Matching service pairing home providers with home seekers in exchange for rent, help around the house, transportation, or companionship. $35 application fee for either side, plus a one-time $50 match fee for home providers (2026)
Who qualifies
18 or older; one side of every match must be an older adult
Income limit
None identified
How to apply
Download the home provider or home seeker application from southsoundseniors.org and mail it in with the fee. Online applications are not currently available
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Eligibility determined by the Department of Social and Health Services; housing assistance administered by the Department of Commerce through local providers
What you get
Rent and utility assistance if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, plus personal health and hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and transportation help (2026)
Who qualifies
adults, including married couples and legally emancipated people under 18
Income limit
Low income, and unable to work for at least 90 days because of a physical or mental incapacity, and not eligible for Aged, Blind, or Disabled cash assistance
How to apply
Apply at washingtonconnection.org, or by fax to 888-338-7410, or by mail to DSHS, P.O. Box 11699, Tacoma, WA 98411, then complete a financial interview by phone or in person
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Some of the biggest sources of help are federal and work much the same everywhere, including USDA Section 504 home repair, LIHEAP energy assistance, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and VA housing grants. They are described once, in detail, on our federal programs page, and the entries above give you the Washington contacts.
One more option
Sharing your home is not on this list, but it belongs beside it.
Every program here helps you afford the home you have. Home sharing does something different: it turns a spare room into steady income and company. It is worth considering before you sell, before you move, and before things get harder to manage alone.