As part of its ongoing effort to reduce barriers and enroll eligible customers in its cost saving programs, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (Sewer District) will manage its Rate Reduction Program (formerly Affordability Program) and Crisis Assistance Program in-house effective February 1. Currently, those programs are managed by CHN Housing Partners; CHN will continue to manage the Water & Sewer Plumbing Assistance Program.
Launched by the Sewer District in 2012, the Rate Reduction Program provides a 40 percent reduction in sewer and stormwater bills. To be eligible, customers must meet federal poverty guidelines of 250% and be responsible for paying their sewer and stormwater bills.
The Crisis Assistance Program was established by the Sewer District in 2012 and provides up to a $300 one-time annual credit and establishes payment arrangements to those experiencing a life event, like a medical issue, divorce or job loss, just to name a few.
‘The process for enrolling in assistance programs can be daunting,’ said Dreyfuss-Wells. ‘Our goal is to reduce the barriers customers experience when enrolling in programs designed to help.’
The Sewer District will reduce barriers by streamlining the following eligibility requirements and processes:
- Elimination of Multiple Birth Certificates: Many assistance programs require customers to provide birth certificates of all members living in the household. This requirement will be eliminated for the Rate Reduction and Crisis Assistance Programs. Only the owner occupant or tenant applying for assistance, provided they demonstrate responsibility for the bill, will be required to provide their birth certificate.
- Proof of Income: Many assistance programs require proof of income for everyone living in the household. The Sewer District will only require proof of income for the owner occupant or tenant applying for assistance, provided they demonstrate responsibility for the bill.
- Elimination of the Social Security Card: Many assistance programs require a copy of social security cards for everyone living in the household. The Sewer District will only require a copy of the social security card for the owner occupant or tenant applying for assistance, provided they demonstrate responsibility for the bill.
- On-line Portal to Apply for Assistance: Customers will have the ability to apply on-line or to upload applications at neorsd.org. Customers can expect a response in 2 to 3 business days.
- Fast Track Applications: For those receiving Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), customers will not need to provide proof of income or birth certificate. Customers will only need to complete an application and show proof of enrollment in any of those programs to automatically be enrolled in the Sewer District’s Rate Reduction Program, provided they demonstrate responsibility for the bill.
In addition to minimize the burdens, the Sewer District’s Administrative Offices located at 3900 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland will be open the first Saturday of every month beginning February 3 to help those interested in completing assistance applications. Hours will be from 8am to 11am
In partnership with various elected officials, utilities and service providers, the Sewer District established the Utility Assistance Resource Fairs in 2022, hosting six events throughout the region and seven events in 2023. In addition to assistance for sewer and stormwater bills, other utilities including City of Cleveland Division of Water, Cleveland Public Power, First Energy, Dominion, City of Cleveland Division of Water Pollution Control as well as community organizations, like CHN Housing Partners, StepForward and Greater Cleveland Food Bank, were available.
The Fairs provided an opportunity for customers to enroll in various programs and to speak with utility and community organization representatives. Over the past two years, over 2,200 customers have been served, and, in total, the Sewer District has enrolled over 10,000 new customers due to its robust outreach initiatives throughout the region. The next Utility Assistance Resource Fair is scheduled for Saturday, February 10th at the Collinwood Rec Center on 16300 Lakeshore Blvd in Cleveland.
ABOUT THE CURRENT COST SAVINGS PROGRAMS
Rate Reduction Program (as of February 1, 2024)
The Rate Reduction Program, currently named the Affordability Program, is income-based and offers customers a rate reduction of 40 percent. Customers who are at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify. This includes renters who can show proof of their responsibility to pay the sewer bill. The program is administered by CHN Housing Partners until January 31, 2024. To learn more, call NEORSD Customer Service at 216-881-8247.
Crisis Assistance Program
The Crisis Assistance Program is available to customers affected by a major life event, such as sudden medical expenses, job loss, separation, or divorce. This program provides a one-time credit of half of a customer’s bill, up to $300 and are placed on a payment plan for the remaining balance. To qualify, customers must have experienced a hardship within the past six months and received a disconnection notice. No income requirements apply, and the program is open to both homeowners and renters. The program is currently administered by CHN Housing Partners until January 31, 2024. To learn more, call NEORSD Customer Service at 216-881-8247.
Summer Sprinkling Program
Regardless of income, owner-occupied residential properties can take advantage of the Summer Sprinkling Program, which runs annually from May 1 through September 30. Water use often increases during the summer because of sprinklers and other seasonal activities, but most of this additional consumption does not return to the sewers. During the program period, bills are based on average winter water consumption or actual summer water consumption, whichever is lower. Those interested in applying can do so online or via a mail-in application.
Homestead Rate Program
The Homestead Rate Program is available to customers ages 65 or older, or customers under 65 who are fully disabled and offers a rate reduction of 40 percent. To learn more, call NEORSD Customer Service at 216-881-8247.
Stormwater Credits
Customers can receive a reduction in fees if they take measures to reduce the stormwater volume flowing from their properties. Those interested in applying can do so online or via a mail-in application.
Plumbing Repair
Eligible homeowners may receive emergency service line replacements and other plumbing repairs through CHN Housing Partners Energy Efficiency Services. To be eligible, customers must be homeowners in the Sewer District’s service area and meet income guidelines. To learn more and apply, visit CHN online.