TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma’s Public Utility Board has approved a new Emergency Assistance Program for low-income customers impacted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Assistance Program, funded for up to $1 million, will give a credit of up to $250 for eligible single-family households usable toward TPU Bills.
Officials said the eligibility requirements will help more TPU customers quality for bill pay assistance than under the current Bill Credit Assistance Plan.
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“By making these funds available and expanding the eligibility guidelines of our bill assistance program, we can support significantly more households during this state of emergency,” said Karen Larkin, chair of the Public Utility Board. “We are proud to be part of this community, and it is crucial that we are there for our customers.”
The program supports customers whose incomes are within 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines, as established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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“We are here to support those in need with the new Emergency Assistance Program and encourage customers to call us. We will continue to work with our customers on payment arrangements as long as assistance is needed,” director of Tacoma Public Utilities Jackie Flowers said.
Customers who are in need of assistance can apply by calling 253-502-8600 or by clicking here.
Officials said at the end of Tacoma’s State of Emergency, the program will continue while there are funds available.
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