CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA — Chesterfield County has launched the Chesterfield CARES Water Assistance Program to offer relief to residents who have fallen behind on utility bill payments after a loss or decrease in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Administered through the Department of Social Services, the program uses federal CARES Act funding for those in need of assistance in paying past-due water and wastewater utility bills. Residents may apply online at www.chesterfield.gov/COVIDWaterBillHelp. Applications should be submitted by Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, and funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To qualify:
- Applicants must live in Chesterfield County and have an active residential Chesterfield County utility water and/or wastewater account.
- Applicants must have a past due balance on their residential water and/or wastewater account within the March 1 to Nov. 30, 2020 time frame.
- Households must show a decrease in income due to COVID-19. All adult members of the household (18 years and older) must submit proof of a decrease in income due to COVID-19. (Examples include an unemployment letter, notice of furlough or layoff, one paystub from before March 1 and one paystub from after March 1 which shows a decrease in income due to COVID-19, etc.)
- Self-employed applicants must provide documentation to show a decrease in income due to COVID-19. (Examples include documentation of business closing, pre/post COVID-19 banking account statements, etc.)
Initial funding assistance amount will not exceed $500. Depending on funding availability on or after Dec. 1, 2020, applicants may be eligible for up to $200 in additional funding assistance if their household income has not increased and assistance for past due balances is still required.
For more information about the program, visit www.chesterfield.gov/COVIDWaterBillHelp to review qualifications, necessary documentation and begin the online application process.
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