SUFFOLK, Va. - Suffolk Public Utilities has announced a HRUBS utility bill pandemic relief program that will provide financial assistance for customers who are experiencing financial hardship due to employment impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program will become effective on Monday.
It provides financial assistance to qualifying residents who are not able to pay their monthly HRUBS water and sewer bill based on the availability of funding and applicant qualifications.
Relief amounts include for customers with water, sewer, and wastewater charges of up to $200 per bill, for a maximum of 4 billing periods; customers with water only charges up to $100 per bill for a maximum of 4 billing periods; and for customers with sewer and wastewater charges up to $100 per bill for a maximum of 4 billing periods.
To be considered for assistance, applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
- Must be a Suffolk resident and have an active HRUBS account
- Applicant must be listed as an account holder on HRUBS account. Multiple individuals within a household will not qualify
- Applicant’s inability to pay must be due to the impact of COVID-19 that resulted in a loss of employment, furlough, or a 50% or greater reduction in work hours
- Applicant must have an unpaid balance due from March 1 or later. Unpaid balances prior to March 1 are not eligible
- Applicant must have applied for unemployment benefits, or in the process of applying for unemployment benefits, and must provide supporting documentation of the application
Proof of unemployment, lay-off, or significant reduction in work hours beginning March 1 or later is required. Acceptable proof consists of a valid award letter for unemployment benefits from the Virginia Employment Commission; valid award letter from self-employed individual through the CARES Act; verification of job loss from employer on letterhead confirming loss of employment, furlough, or a 50% or greater reduction in work hours; copy of most recent City of Suffolk HRUBS bill.
To apply, click here.