In April, the City of Kirkland launched a new program that will support residents with financial burdens stemming from increased living costs.
The Kirkland Cares Low-Income Support Program aims to help Kirkland residents who earn 80% of King County’s Area Median Income (AMI) or lower by providing discounts and rebates on utility bills, pet licenses, business licenses, annual vehicle registration and other city services and charges.
The city has partnered with FORWARD, which helps government and community-based organizations with efficient technology platforms to connect critical resources and money to communities. The city has worked with FORWARD on several successful programs, said Tahmina Martelly, director of client services at FORWARD.
Nearly $600,000 in funding has been designated for the program, with applications accepted until Sept. 30. However, Martelly said the program may close sooner if funds run out.
To be eligible, residents must provide proof that they live within the city limits and earn 80% AMI or below, according to the program. The program’s website elaborates on specific requirements for vehicle, business and pet licenses. Utility rebates and discounts are applied every two months and pet license discounts, vehicle registration and business license rebates annually.
Residents may be eligible for a one-time utility rebate, which takes into account six months of eligible 2024 utilities, Martelly said.
Once approved, applicants who are awarded a utility rebate will receive a payment to offset a portion of their utility expenses. For those awarded a utility discount, the city will directly apply the discount to their bill. The program’s website provides an extensive information regarding eligible requirements, required documents, frequently asked questions and tutorial videos to assist in the application process.
Residents can apply online, using either a computer or a mobile device. FORWARD provides applications in 68 languages and has partnered with 4 Tomorrow, a Latino and youth-focused organization based in Bellevue, which will support and assist interested applicants in person with a scheduled appointment.
Learn more
Applicants must have a city of Kirkland account to apply to the program.
To learn more about the program and its requirements, visit to the Kirkland Cares Low Income Support Program website.
For further questions about the program, contact kirklandcares@forwardplatform.zendesk.com or call 855-582-3973.
For further questions about 4 Tomorrows in-person help to apply, email info@4tomorrowtoday.org or call l 425-891-0346.
