By MINA CORPUZ, The Clarion Ledger
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Low-income Mississippi residents may be able to receive help paying their water and sewer bills through a new program through the Department of Human Services.
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program will use $13 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to help eligible low-income residents maintain access to drinking water and sewer services through the end of September 2023.
“Access to clean drinking water and wastewater services are critical to a family’s daily needs,” said Robert Anderson, executive director of the department, in a news release. “Our hope is to provide tangible help with today’s water bill to provide a lasting hope for tomorrow.”
Anderson said the goal is to help vulnerable Mississippians, including the elderly, disabled, and families of small children who have difficulty paying their water bills.
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What bills can the program help pay?
– Sewer or wastewater bills
– Water-related lien removal fees
According to the Department of Human Services, the program is available to individuals and families who need assistance to pay a current bill, past-due water bills, had service terminated, or received a notice that their service will be terminated in the next 60 days.
Low-income Mississippi residents can get help paying water, sewer bills through new program
Mississippi Clarion Ledger
Low-income Mississippi residents may be able to receive help paying their water and sewer bills through a new program through the Department of Human Services.
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program will use $13 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to help eligible low-income residents maintain access to drinking water and sewer services through the end of September 2023.
“Access to clean drinking water and wastewater services are critical to a family’s daily needs,” said Robert Anderson, executive director of the department, in a news release. “Our hope is to provide tangible help with today’s water bill to provide a lasting hope for tomorrow.”
Anderson said the goal is to help vulnerable Mississippians, including the elderly, disabled, and families of small children who have difficulty paying their water bills.
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What bills can the program help pay?
– Sewer or wastewater bills
– Water-related lien removal fees
According to the Department of Human Services, the program is available to individuals and families who need assistance to pay a current bill, past-due water bills, had service terminated, or received a notice that their service will be terminated in the next 60 days.
Department of Human Resources spokesman Mark Jones said there is a $1,500 yearly cap per bill, but there is no limit to how many times a resident can request assistance from the program.
The funding will be given directly to utility providers, according to the department.
The applicant’s household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. Applicants must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
Mississippi residents who also quality for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also managed by the Department of Human Services to assist with electric and gas bills, are eligible for the water assistance program.
To determine eligibility for the water assistance program, applicants can contact their local community action or human resource agency or submit a pre-application online through the state’s Common Web Portal. Jones said the online portal may not include an option the water program yet, but the department is in the process of adding it.
Those without access to a computer can call the community action agency or human resource agency in their area.
Here are some of the action and resource agencies in the Jackson area:
– South Central Community Action Agency, 3891 I-55 South Frontage Road, Jackson. 769- 235-8224 or toll free 866-313-2905
– Hinds County Human Resource Agency, 258 Maddox Road, Jackson. 601-923-3930
– Madison County Citizens Services Agency, 140 West Center St., Canton. 601-855-5710
– Rankin County Human Resource Agency, 1545 West Government St., Suite C, Brandon. 601-825-1309
More information about other community action agencies in the state can be found at https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/community-services/
Similarly, Jackson has its own water and sewer assistance program, which includes a low-income assistance plan, a plan for customers who aren’t low-income and stranded bills flat rate.
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