CLEVELAND — If you’re a Northeast Ohio resident who has been struggling to pay your sewage bills, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District announced Tuesday that it has launched the “Help is Here” campaign that aims at helping its customers struggling to pay their bills.
According to NEORSD, mailers were sent out to customers with instructions on how to contact the company regarding payment arrangements and other cost-saving programs.
Those programs include the following:
Homestead
Rate reduction of 40% available to customers aged 65 or older, or customers under 65 who are totally disabled. Total household income must not exceed $34,500 (effective Jan. 1, 2020). Enrollment is valid for a three-year period.
Affordability
Rate reduction of 40% available for customers whose annual income is at or below 200% of the poverty level. Customers can be enrolled in either the Homestead program or the Affordability program, but not both. The reduced rate is the same for both programs.
Crisis assistance
Available to customers affected by a major event in their life (such as sudden medical expenses, job loss, separation, or divorce). Financial assistance of 50% of sewer balance (up to $300) is available towards the customer’s account. Administered by CHN Housing Partners. Verification documents required.
“While the cost-savings programs and the sewer district's outreach are not new, the COVID-19 pandemic heightens the need for us to ensure that all eligible customers are aware of this relief,” said Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells, CEO of the NEORSD. “Our Help is Here campaign is designed to bring further awareness to those who may need assistance paying for this critical service.”
For more information, you can call the sewer district’s customer service line at 216-881-8247. You can also email askus@neorsd.org or visit CHN Housing Partners website.
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