A new Missouri state program will help low-income people pay their water and sewer utility bills for the next two years — but only if the cities or utility companies that serve them agree to …
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A new Missouri state program will help low-income people pay their water and sewer utility bills for the next two years — but only if the cities or utility companies that serve them agree to participate.
Earlier this year, the Missouri Department of Social Services announced its Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, which will use federal grant funding to provide up to $750 in assistance for households that are at risk of falling behind on payments and losing their water service. The program went into effect on Nov. 1 and will be active until September 2023 or until funding runs out.
The water assistance program works by providing payments directly to water and sewer service providers, which in Warren County means municipal governments and public water districts. Importantly, individual households cannot receive assistance unless a utility provider signs onto the program to accept payments for them.
To qualify for assistance, households must fall below a certain monthly income — for example, less than $2,200 for one person, or $5,600 for a household of six people.
Water assistance funding in the Warren County area will be coordinated through North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC), the regional agency that administers many such grant programs.
Staff with NECAC said the water assistance program is very similar to energy assistance funding that the agency already administers.
“(Utility providers) have to sign up through the state, then the state notifies NECAC,” said NECAC Deputy Director Janice Robinson. “Not many throughout the state have signed up yet, but it’s growing."
NECAC can assist utility providers with information about how to sign up for the water assistance program, and can also help individual households who wish to apply for assistance. Those with questions should call 573-324-6633 and ask for Angela Kattenbraker, the assistance program coordinator.
The city of Truesdale is the only local utility provider thus far to announce its interest in accepting the water assistance payments. Aldermen voted unanimously on Oct. 20 to participate in the program, and will approve a formal agreement with the state in November.
“I like that the utility payment comes directly to us (rather than to clients),” said Alderman Mike Thomas.
Alderman Jerry Cannon said he owns a rental property that accept rent assistance payments through NECAC, and that the agency has been a reliable partner.
“NECAC is very faithful about making sure that their portion of payment is paid on time,” Cannon commented.
“It seems like it could be a good resource for our residents,” agreed City Clerk Elsa Smith-Fernandez.
Smith-Fernandez also clarified that trash service, which Truesdale includes on its utility bills, is not eligible for payments through this program. The only exception is when water service has been disconnected because of unpaid bills, and payment of trash fees are necessary to get water reconnected.
