1. Account Documents
Whether you want help with a utility bill or rent, we need proof that you're the account holder. Gather your documentation ahead of time, so you can provide information promptly when asked.
Utility Info
Get your most recent bill. It can be on paper, or in a digital file on your phone or computer. Either way, it needs to show the name of the utility, the account holder's name, the service address, the account number, the amount due now, and the due date.
Rent Info
For help paying rent, you'll need a printed or digital copy of your lease or rental contract. The document must be signed and dated by both landlord and tenant, and must contain at least the following: (a) names of landlord and tenant; (b) property address; (c) monthly rent amount; (d) contract start date and end date; (e) location and name to which payment is made.
Alternate Documents
If you can't find your utility bill or rental contract, you may be able to substitute another document such as a late notice, shut-off notice, eviction notice, written payment plan, or court-stipulated agreement. If using a digital file instead of paper, you must have the ability to send an email copy of the document.
2. Income and Expense Information
Providing income and expense information for everyone in your household is required to obtain our aid. Members of your household also include roommates or non-relatives who are not on your lease. Gather this info early, so you don't delay your application.
Benefit Statements
If household members get SNAP for food, or money from Social Security, TANF, unemployment, workers comp, etc., they received a statement showing the benefit amount. Gather statements for everyone who lives with you, so you can calculate the monthly total.
Pay Stubs
Find pay records for everyone in who works. This includes adult children living with you, even if they're in high school or college. We need gross pay (money before deductions). If you're self-employed, look up your most recent tax statements.
Investments
Just like preparing your taxes, you need to calculate dividend and interest income you receive on investments like savings accounts, mutual funds, or stocks and bonds. Don't count income from retirement accounts with a current value less than $5,000.
Insurance Payments
Payments you receive from life insurance, disability insurance, or other kinds of settlements also needs to be included. Gather the paperwork to verify the amounts you receive.
Pensions
Even if you're not retired, if you receive payments from a private pension, we need to know how much. Find documentation of the amount(s), whether paid in installments or in a lump sum.
3. Ask Creditor For Help
Our mission is to help you build the skills to get through a crisis without us. We know this is a rough time. But we need you to help us, and yourself, by trying all available alternatives before coming to us to get a bill paid.
Utility Company
Communicate with your company's customer service department before you apply for our aid. Look up the communication options on your utility bill, and ask for a break. The company may give you extra time, or break up your balance into multiple payments, or put you on a program to lower your bills over time.
Landlord
Some landlords are inflexible. Some are not. Oregon law penalizes landlords who unreasonably refuse to work with tenants. Before you apply to us, you must advise your landlord that you may seek outside help. At the same time, you should ask the landlord for temporary leniency, to help you catch up on your own. Some landlords may give a little extra time, or agree to a payment plan, or provide other helpful information.
4. Look Up Application Hours
We've had to limit how we take applications, so we can serve more people. We've revamped our application procedures to reduce staff processing time. Pay careful attention to ensure success.
Information Hotline
As of June 2, our former Rent/Utility Hotline (503-235-8431) has become our Information Hotline. You can no longer apply for aid here, but you can get your questions answered on what services we help with, how to apply, and what documentation you need. The line is open Monday thru Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Application Phone Line
A brand new phone number is coming soon to take application voicemails. When our staff has the capacity to take applications, this phone number will be published on the main page of our website, and with Oregon 211. If you call when applications are closed, this new number will not work.
Drop-In Hours
You may be able to apply at our office under certain conditions. Fully read details below. If you don't meet these conditions, we won't take your application.
CONDITIONS:
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You need help with a utility where service is currently off.
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Minimum dollar amount needed from SVdP is $500 or less.
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You are within the first three people to apply in our office that day.
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You meet all other SVdP assistance eligibility criteria.
Office hours are 9am-1pm Mon., Tue., Thu., and 1-5pm Wed.
Mastered all the information above? Read the next steps in the application process by continuing on to: