Connecticut Water company assistance programs.
If you are struggling with paying your water bill or facing a future hardship, you may have some assistance programs available to you. Qualified low income customers of Connecticut Water can work with the company on entering into programs such as H2O – Help to Our Customers, payment plans, and other services. All of these are available in an effort to prevent, or at least minimize, the number of disconnections. The company is will to work with those that are falling behind on their account.
Many people are still facing financial difficulties, mostly as a result of the weak job market in both Connecticut and nationwide. The H2O, Help to Customers Hardship Program was created to help these and other customers. It was designed from scratch to help those who need it most in the community and state. Customers who qualify may receive a cash grant to help pay their water expenses. They can also receive case management from many of the non-profits that process applications for it.
Many social service agencies, non-profits, and charities work with Connecticut Water in this effort. Examples include the Salvation Army, your local township office, and community action agencies. Together they process applications, offer referrals, and may process cash grants for those that qualify. It is a true partnership of many agencies that care and try to make a difference. The company is more than pleased to offer financial assistance or payment plans to those struggling in these difficult economic times.
These non-profits partner with the Connecticut Water company. They will answer questions, determine customer eligibility, and process applications. While program terms can change over time, in general the income limits are set loosely based on thresholds tied to federal government and state income guidelines. They may consider certain poverty rates as well. They will factor in the total number of people in your home, total income from all sources, any disabilities, and more.
If you do not qualify for H2O, then Connecticut Water or the local social service agency will still try to work with you. They will try to find other assistance for eligible customers. The goal is to help them identify potential available resources for paying your water bills. If that doesn‘t work, then also inquire into establishing a payment arrangement for unpaid balances on your account. Or inquire into installments or any possible government aid. There may be a number of possible assistance programs for your water bills.
Another possible option are Low Income Payment Plans. This is generally a possibility for the most economically challenged customers, including the unemployed, seniors, and working poor. Generally this may be an option provided to customers who paid their bills on time in the past and that have a plan to regain self-sufficiency.
Get help from the Connecticut Water Company
To learn more, or if you expect to have difficulty in paying your bill in the future, call early and often. You should notify Connecticut Water company (or a local non-profit) as soon as possible, before you fall behind. Do not wait until you miss a payment or have a shut off notice, as by then it may be too late to get help. Dial the company at 1-800-286-5700 in order to discuss payment arrangements. Work with them in an effort to keep your water service active and account in good standing.
Also, as indicated, call a regional charity or non-profit, like a community action agency. Many of these have staff on site that can direct qualified clients to a number of emergency financial assistance programs, for both water bills and other needs. These agencies operate in every town and county.
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