Chesterfield County is modifying several of its requirements for its recently launched Chesterfield CARES Water Assistance Program to reach more residents in need.
The program, which was originally launched in late October, offers 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.
Updated qualifications:
1) Applicants must live in Chesterfield County and have an active residential Chesterfield County utility water and/or wastewater account.
2) 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.
3) During the period of time between March 1 and Nov. 30, 2020, at least one household member must have been furloughed, laid off, unemployed or under-employed due to COVID-19; been unable to find a job due to COVID-19; had to leave or quit their job due to COVID-19 illness; or had to leave or quit their job to care for someone with COVID-19.
4) Households should provide documentation of circumstances described in Section 3 if available (examples include documentation of business closing, pre/post COVID-19 banking account statements, 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.).
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.