Note: This news release was issued by the Office of Council President Nury Martinez
Council President Martinez Announces Deadline Extension for $500
City of LA/LADWP CARES Grant Program
Low-Income Customers can receive $500 in aid through checks to be distributed in December
LOS ANGELES (November 13, 2020) – Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez announced an extension to provide LADWP City of Los Angeles’ customers an extra week to apply for a $500 grant aimed at helping low-income residents financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The last day to apply for the City of LA – LADWP CARES Utility Grant Program has been extended to November 22 from the initial November 15 date.
As Chair of the City Council’s Ad-Hoc Committee on COVID-19 Recovery and Neighborhood Investment, Martinez earmarked $50 million in federal CARES Act funds for this program to assist up to 100,000 low-income households. The Los Angeles City Council approved the plan unanimously.
Residential LADWP customers in the City of Los Angeles who have in any way been financially affected by COVID-19 and who meet the household income qualifications need to apply by midnight November 22nd under the extended deadline. Approved applicants will be mailed a $500 check in December to assist them during these difficult days.
“For our low-income City of Los Angeles families who are struggling to make every dollar count during this pandemic, this program puts money in their hands at a critical time to help cover bills and expenses,” said LA City Council President Nury Martinez. “LADWP is extending this deadline, so we can ensure as many families as possible have the opportunity to benefit from $500 in relief as the holidays approach. I encourage all low-income LADWP customers to apply online today.”
Applicants must be an LADWP residential customer living within the City of Los Angeles with an online account in order to complete an online application during the program enrollment period (November 2 – 22, 2020).
Customers must apply through their online LADWP account or set one up in order to fill out the online application. Customers enrolled in any LADWP low-income assistance program are encouraged to apply, as they meet the low-income criteria, and would only need to certify and provide proof of financial impact to qualify for the grant program.
Any customer needing assistance accessing their account online can call 1-800-DIAL-DWP.
Eligible COVID-19 financial impacts include, but are not limited to:
- Working parents who have stayed home to care for school-age children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Extraordinary out-of-pocket childcare expenses due to school closures.
- Workplace closure or reduced hours due to COVID-19, including layoff, termination, loss of working hours.
- Business closure or other economic impacts of COVID-19.
- Sickness with COVID-19 or caring for a household or family member who is sick with COVID-19.
- Medical costs for you or a household member who is ill with COVID-19.
Grant Program Income Limits
Applicants who are not currently enrolled in LADWP’s assistance programs can still apply if they meet the income requirement (see chart below) and program guidelines. All applicants should visit www.ladwp.com//UtilityCARES to review the program and eligibility requirements and read through the program FAQs (frequently asked questions). Information is available in multiple languages.
|
Household Income Requirements |
|
| Members in Household | Maximum Annual Gross Income* |
| 1 | $34,480 |
| 2 | $34,480 |
| 3 | $43,440 |
| 4 | $52,400 |
| 5 | $61,360 |
| 6 | $70,320 |
| 7 | $79,280 |
| 8 | $88,240 |
| Each additional member: | Add $8,960 to income |
|
*Effective July 1, 2020 |
|
Grant award checks will be mailed to eligible customers by December 30, 2020. The utility assistance grant is meant to help residents with costs associated with their gas service; cellular phone; wi-fi; and internet and cable television service.
Recipients are encouraged to cash or deposit the grant check immediately because replacement checks cannot be replaced or reissued under the grant funding guidelines.
For more information and to apply, visit www.ladwp.com/utilityCARES.
Councilwoman Nury Martinez is the President of the Los Angeles City Council. She represents the Sixth Council District, which includes all or parts of the neighborhoods of Van Nuys, Lake Balboa, Sun Valley, Panorama City, Arleta, North Hollywood, and North Hills East.
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