The Town of Union will be using funds from the Community Development Block Grant to create an emergency utility assistance program to help residents living in Endicott, Endwell, Johnson City and Westover with electricity and gas bills.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the town launched a similar project, providing rental assistance and mortgage assistance to 147 residents totaling approximately $89,700.
This new emergency assistance program is expected to see similar numbers.
Since the April 7 announcement, the Town of Union has already received more than 50 applications, and more than 200 residents have expressed interest in the program.
There is no deadline for the program. It will run until the full $100,000 in grant funds are used.
Applicants can receive up to 80% covering three months’ worth of past due bills.
Who qualifies for Union bill assistance program
Applicants must have an active “past due” bill since this is not a reimbursement plan. Arrears on the account have to be from between September 2025 to present.
Accounts that are under a payment agreement and HEAP recipients are eligible to apply for the program. Households that are currently receiving public assistance do not qualify for the program.
For applicants who are receiving HEAP, additional documentation will need to be submitted during the application process to verify HEAP status.
This program does not cover telephone, internet or cable bills.
What documentation is needed for the application process?
What are the annual household income limits?
What happens after the application is submitted?
If the applicant is considered eligible, NYSEG will receive a check directly from the Town of Union, roughly a week or two after all of the needed documents have been submitted.
An approval letter will be sent out along with a photocopy of the check to the applicant to keep on file.
U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development holds onto the funds until the Town of Union submits a voucher to allocate the money to the town accounts. Payment order requests are processed on Monday and checks are mailed out on Friday.
For more information about the program, contact the Town of Union Department of Planning and Community Development at 607-786-2985
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at KCGrant@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Behind on electric bills? How to apply for town of Union’s relief fund
Reporting by Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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