News

RWA Encourages Customers Financially Impacted By Coronavirus to Enroll in its Financial Assistance Program

Mar 23, 2020

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed an unexpected financial strain on families around the state, making it difficult to meet basic expenses. The Regional Water Authority (RWA) encourages customers to ease their financial burden by seeking assistance through the company’s Residential Water Assistance Program. To help households in need pay their water bills, the RWA offers grants of up to $175 through its Residential Water Assistance Program to customers living at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Income Level. The RWA will not shut off any customer’s water service due to nonpayment until at least April 30, but is reminding customers of this additional assistance available to help them during this difficult time.

RWA customers living at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Income Level are eligible for the Residential Water Assistance Program. Income guidelines depend on the size of the household being evaluated for the program. For example, a family of four could qualify for the program if their annual income is $45,850 or less. Qualifying applicants can receive up to $175 toward their water bills.

“In addition to the impact that COVID-19 has on public health, it is also presenting financial challenges to many of our customers,” said RWA President and Chief Executive Officer Larry Bingaman. “Our Residential Water Assistance Program is available to families that may have been affected by unemployment, underemployment or lost wages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope this program can help families navigate through this difficult time, and encourage anyone who may be eligible to apply for assistance.”

Anyone interested in applying for the Residential Water Assistance Program should contact Dollar Energy, RWA’s partner on this initiative, toll-free at 1-888-282-6816. Callers will be connected with Dollar Energy’s Program Coordinator who will provide free, confidential assistance.

Applicants can also call one of the RWA’s other community partners to inquire about enrolling in the program. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the RWA encourages customers to apply for this program over the phone rather than in person:

• Salvation Army of New Haven
  • 203-624-9891
• Salvation Army of Ansonia
  • 203-736-0707
• TEAM, Inc. of Ansonia, Bethany, Derby, Milford and Seymour
  • 203-736-5420