MaineHousing’s is accepting applications for its Maine Water Assistance Program.

This program is being funded with $4.7 million of American Rescue Plan Act appropriations and is being made available to water and wastewater utilities in Maine for their customers who may have fallen behind on their bills during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release from the MaineHousing Water Assistance Program Team.

For eligible customers the program will clear past due balances and/or establish a one-time benefit that can be applied to a current and/or future water or wastewater bill. In both cases the payment will be made directly to the utility provider on behalf of an eligible customer.

The consumer will also be required to apply for the program, providing proof of income eligibility, a copy of a current water and/or wastewater bill, and other household information.

Fee reduction payments for all eligible households will be based on household demographics. A benefit matrix point system will be used to identify households with the greatest need. Payments will be based on total points, and based on eligibility will be either $200, $350 or $500.

If payment to the utility is more than the customer owes, the balance should be credited to the ratepayer’s account to be used for future charges.

Households that wish to apply can download an application at mainehousing.org/MaineWaterProgram.

To learn more about the program details and sign up for automated updates on the program, visit MaineHousing’s Water Assistance Program page at mainehousing.org.

For more information, call 888-623-6762 or email water@mainehousing.org.

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