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# Washington homeowner recovery fund: who can get help after a contractor dispute
- URL: https://justabouts.com/washington-homeowner-recovery-fund-contractor-claims-guide/
- Published: 2026-11-06T05:44:29.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-06T10:27:50.000Z
- Description: Washington’s fund has made its first payments. A court judgment and strict application deadline are among the requirements for help with qualifying contractor losses.
- Author: Justabouts
- Tags: Help & Resources, Snohomish County, Camano Island, #ready-to-publish

Washington’s Homeowner Recovery Fund has made its first payments, giving eligible homeowners another place to turn when a court judgment against a contractor remains unpaid.

Labor & Industries said in a [Nov. 5 announcement](https://lni.wa.gov/news-events/article/26-20?ref=justabouts.com) that it had approved five applications and distributed more than $115,000\. The program opened July 1.

## Who can qualify?

The [program](https://www.lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/contractors/problems-with-a-contractor/homeowner-recovery-fund?ref=justabouts.com) covers qualifying losses involving L&I-registered contractors at an owner’s primary residence. You must have owned and occupied the property when the work occurred. Eligible properties are single-family homes or buildings with four or fewer homes; condominiums are excluded. On a multi-unit property, only the unit you live in counts as your primary residence.

You need a final superior-court judgment for a claim against the contractor’s bond, and the judgment must remain partly or wholly unpaid. Applicants must also have pursued recovery against any existing contractor bond. For the judgment date, L&I’s [application guidance](https://www.lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/%5Fdocs/Homeowner-Recovery-Fund-Application-Guidance.pdf?ref=justabouts.com) lists July 1, 2026, or later.

## Watch the deadline

L&I’s guidance and [denial rule](https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=296-200A-9125&ref=justabouts.com) use a 90-day deadline from the final judgment order. The [statute](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.27.410&ref=justabouts.com) describes 90 days after the civil action concludes. If further court proceedings complicate your dates, seek prompt legal advice about the deadline.

## What to send

Use the online application linked from L&I’s program page or its [mail-in form](https://www.lni.wa.gov/forms-publications/F625-119-000.pdf?ref=justabouts.com). Attach a certified judgment, proof of residency such as a deed, mortgage statement or utility bill from the past 60 days, and any applicable bond-payment letter or check. Include payments already received from the contractor or bond company.

For application questions, contact [HRF@Lni.wa.gov](mailto:HRF@Lni.wa.gov) or [360-902-5699](tel:+13609025699).

## What the fund can pay

State law limits payment to qualifying actual damages still unpaid after bond recovery, up to $25,000 per contractor per parcel. Attorney fees, court costs and punitive damages are excluded. Eligibility does not guarantee payment, and funding shortages can mean a waitlist.

Before payment, the law requires assigning judgment rights to L&I to the extent of its payment. Read that paperwork carefully.

Still choosing a contractor? Our [home-repair estimate guide](https://justabouts.com/compare-home-repair-estimates-marysville/) covers questions to ask before signing.

*Information checked Nov. 5, 2026\. Sources: L&I’s announcement, program guidance and application; Washington’s homeowner-recovery law and rules.*