New Financial Assistance Programs for Customers Impacted by COVID-19

· by · in News. ·

The impacts of this pandemic are lasting far longer than any of us expected, causing some families to experience financial difficulties, including paying their water bills.

Gov. Inslee’s proclamation about utilities prevents late fees and service disconnections, but “does not relieve utility customers from their obligation to pay utility bills.”

If you’ve been struggling to pay your water bill, we will not charge any late fees through October 15, 2020, and will not disconnect water service for those who are behind.

Best of all, we have THREE financial programs available, and are standing by to help you get enrolled:

Financial Assistance Program 1—NEW!
COVID-19-IMPACTED LOW INCOME RATE REDUCTION

If you are a single family residential customer whose income has been impacted by COVID-19 during the calendar year 2020, you may apply for this reduced water rate program that reduces your residential base rate by 50% through May 2021. To qualify, your anticipated total household income from all sources during 2020 must not exceed the “very low income limits” set annually by HUD for the Seattle / King County area as shown below:

HUD Very Low Income Limits for the Seattle Area for 2020:

What you need to do:

  • Download this form: “COVID-19-Impacted Low Income Rate Reduction Application.” You can also pick one up at our drive-through window, or give us a call and we’ll mail one out to you.
  • Complete the application.
  • Make copies of documents that demonstrate how your family has been impacted by COVID.
  • Mail the completed application and documents into our office (or bring them to our drive-through window).

Financial Assistance Program 2—NEW!
COVID-19-IMPACTED DEFERRED PAYMENT PLAN

If your income has been impacted by COVID-19, this program allows customers to pay their past due balance over a period of time, as long as they continue to keep up to date with their current water bill payments. This program can be used on its own, or in conjunction with Program 1.

What you need to do:

  • If you are eligible for this program, the District will be sending you a letter inviting you to get it set up. You do not need to contact us.

Financial Assistance Program 3—EXPANDED!
LOW INCOME REDUCED RATE REDUCTION

North City Water District has offered a Low Income Rate Reduction program for years, however this year our Board updated the program to remove the cap on the interest and dividend income, AND increase the rate reduction from 24% to 50% of the base residential rate.

Low income residents who meet the HUD guidelines of very low income households (see the above chart)—based on your household income for 2019—can be eligible for this rate reduction program through May 2021.

Note: because this is based on last year’s income, versus COVID-19-impacted income in 2020, this program is best for those with longer-term financial challenges.

What you need to do:

  • Download this form: “Low Income Rate Reduction Application.” You can also pick one up at our drive-through window, or give us a call and we’ll mail one out to you.
  • Complete the application.
  • Send us a copy of your 2019 income tax return and all applicable documentation (detailed on the application form).
  • Mail the completed application and documents into our office (or bring them to our drive-through window).