Funding Remains to Help Champaign County Residents Avoid Water and Wastewater Shutoffs and Disconnections

by Maurey WilliamsonMay 20, 2022

Funding remains for income-eligible households and families in Champaign County facing past-due water/wastewater bills or disconnection from water/wastewater services due to non-payment. The RPC will continue to accept applications until funding is exhausted for the Water/Wastewater Assistance Program, which is designed to assist with water and wastewater bills and help households and families avoid shutoffs.

Click here for the application and instructions.

This temporary emergency assistance provides a one-time payment to be used toward water/wastewater services, helping income-eligible Champaign County renters and homeowners avoid shutoffs while supporting household water system reconnections. Service priorities are to prevent disconnections and to restore drinking water and wastewater services as soon as possible and to reduce unpaid bills. 

To be eligible, homeowners must meet eligibility for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), or have previously been approved for LIHEAP in the current program year. Households renting must have a household income that does not exceed 80% Area Median Income (AMI). Households must be behind on their bill, facing disconnection, or be disconnected.

“We want Champaign County residents to know that funding is still available to help them with circumstances resulting from the pandemic,” says Lisa Benson, the RPC’s Community Services Director. “Eligible individuals and families are urged to apply as soon as possible before funding runs out. Water, sanitation, and good hygiene are fundamental basic needs, and we don’t want them to miss out on this help available to them.”

A single-person homeowner household can qualify with a monthly income for up to $2,147, a two-person household up to $2,903, a three-person household up to $3,660, and a family of four up to $4,417. A single-person renter household can qualify with a monthly income for up to $4,033, a two-person household up to $4,608, a three-person household up to $5,216, and a family of four up to $5,758. Benefits will be paid directly to water/wastewater vendors on behalf of eligible households. The RPC needs the following documentation to process applications:

• Proof of income for the 30-day period beginning with the date of application for all household members
• Photo identification
• For renter households, a copy of lease (or signed letter from landlord confirming renter status)
• Proof of Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members
  *All income-qualified residents of Illinois can receive bill assistance; providing an SSN or ITIN will speed up the process. (Individuals without an SSN or ITIN can still apply and the RPC will advise accordingly.)
• Most recent water and/or wastewater bill issued within the last 30 days (if they pay for their services directly)
• If they are disconnected, a disconnection notice will be required

Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis and appointments will be made until funding is exhausted.

Funding provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity CSBG CARES grant.