News

Disaster aid available in Whatcom and Skagit counties following historic floods

Disaster aid available in Whatcom and Skagit counties following historic floods

Photo: Saga Communications/Sam Kristofferson


WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – State aid is now available for those impacted by historic flooding we saw in Whatcom and Skagit counties.

The state Department of Social and Health Services is offering disaster cash assistance for eligible households now through Jan. 15, 2026.

The monthly benefit payments are available to state residents regardless of citizenship status and range from a maximum of $450 for individuals to $1,600 for households of ten or more.

Residents can apply by either calling the department’s customer service center or by visiting a local community services office between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Meanwhile, the state Department of Revenue is offering tax relief to businesses and property owners who were impacted by the flooding.

Residents whose properties were damaged or destroyed can apply to have their property taxes reduced for 2025 and potentially 2026.

You can find out if you’re eligible by applying to the county assessor.

Businesses who can’t file or pay their excise tax returns on time due to the flooding can contact Revenue to request an extension.

 

Recent Headlines

5 minutes ago in Entertainment, Holiday Guide, Lifestyle, Local

Where’s Santa Claus? NORAD radar to track Santa from the North Pole to Bellingham

Fresh

Stay tuned to watch Santa Claus make his way around the world this Christmas.

23 hours ago in Lifestyle, Local

Port of Seattle warns of fake Uber, Lyft drivers as holiday travel ramps up

Over 150,000 passengers per day will make their way through Sea-Tac leading up to the Christmas holiday.  

23 hours ago in Lifestyle, Local, Weather

Strong winds, heavy mountain snow in Whatcom County’s forecast this week

Southeast winds could reach 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

1 day ago in Sports, Trending

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles win their second NFC East title in a row by beating the Commanders 29-18

As the percussive horns of Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke" filled the air, Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni — wearing a black T-shirt bearing the words, "Been there, won that" — made the rounds in the locker room, offering hand clasps and back slaps to his players after they accomplished something that hadn't happened in two decades: win a second consecutive NFC East title.

1 day ago in Entertainment

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ launches with $88M domestically, $345M worldwide

"Avatar: Fire and Ash" opened with $345 million in worldwide sales, according to studio estimates Sunday, notching the second-best global debut of the year and potentially putting James Cameron on course to set yet more blockbuster records.

Bellingham Traffic