Facing financial challenges in Summit County, Ohio? The Summit County Cares Utility Relief Program is here to support residents and families impacted by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative, a collaborative effort between local government and community organizations, aims to keep Summit County residents stably housed by providing crucial financial assistance.
This program is designed to help eligible households manage past due balances on essential housing and utility expenses. If you are a Summit County resident struggling to keep up with payments, read on to understand how the Summit County Cares Utility Relief Program can offer a helping hand.
Who is Eligible for Summit County Cares Utility Relief?
To qualify for the Summit County Cares Utility Relief Program, applicants must meet specific criteria designed to prioritize those most in need. Eligibility requirements include:
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Summit County, Ohio.
- COVID-19 Impact: The household must have experienced financial hardship directly or indirectly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Income Level: Household gross income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) Guidelines for Summit County.
Priority consideration is given to households with the most urgent needs, including:
- Households at or below 30% of AMI
- Households including pregnant women
- Households with residents aged 62 and over
- Households facing eviction notices
It’s important to note that this is not a first-come, first-served program, ensuring that assistance reaches those with the greatest need.
What Expenses are Covered by Summit County Cares?
The Summit County Cares Utility Relief Program provides financial assistance for the following essential housing and utility expenses:
- Rent: Assistance with past due rent for your primary residence.
- Mortgage: Support for overdue mortgage payments on your primary home.
- Utilities: Coverage for past due balances on electric, gas, and water/sewer bills.
To ensure efficient processing, all past due balances will be thoroughly verified before payments are issued. Cooperation from both applicants and landlords is essential for the application process. Utility accounts must be in the name of an adult residing in the household or the landlord.
Understanding Area Median Income (AMI) Guidelines
Eligibility for the Summit County Cares Utility Relief Program is partly determined by Area Median Income (AMI) levels. Refer to the table below to see the income limits based on household size:
| AREA MEDIAN INCOME QUALIFYING LEVELS |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1 |
| 2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
Ready to Apply for Summit County Cares Utility Relief?
The application process for the Summit County Cares Utility Relief Program is designed to be straightforward and accessible. It typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. You can apply for assistance with rent or mortgage, utilities, or both.
Before starting your application, make sure to gather all necessary information, including:
- Household information
- Income details
- Landlord contact information (if applicable)
- Utility account numbers
Having this information ready will streamline your application process, whether you choose to apply online or by calling 2-1-1.
The Summit County Cares Utility Relief Program is a vital resource for residents facing economic hardship. If you believe you are eligible, we encourage you to apply and seek the assistance you need to maintain housing stability during these challenging times.
