The state has opened applications for $2.5 million in assistance following December flooding that damaged homes and property across Washington.

Though parts of Eastern Washington were affected by the flooding, including West Richland and Benton City along the Yakima River, only four counties in the state are currently eligible for the grants.The state said it may add more eligible counties as damage assessments are completed.

Those who suffered damage during the storm should submit and Unmet Needs Assessment Form. Go to: SAHelp.org and enter zip code to begin, or call 833-719-4981. Case managers will determine eligibility for the Household Needs Grants, which help with recovery costs including short-term housing, small home repairs and food replacement.

The Salvation Army is partnering with the state to help people find assistance.

Those eligible for the grant must:

• Live in an eligible county – currently King, Snohomish, Skagit or Whatcom.
• Earn 80% or less of the area median gross income.
• Show that their primary residence was destroyed or seriously damaged by flooding events between Dec. 5 and Dec. 22, 2025.

Grants are based on household size, with the maximum award of $375 for a one-person household, $750 for two to four people, and $1,125 for five or more people.

The funding is part of $3.5 million unlocked with Gov. Bob Ferguson’s disaster declaration. The first $1 million was distributed in Disaster Cash Assistance by the Department of Social and Health Services to those most in need.

State and local officials are also working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, to complete a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment for Individual and Public Assistance. If certain indicators are met through this process, the governor could request a federal Major Disaster Declaration, which could make more help available for individuals and public agencies.