The Suffolk Department of Public Utilities announces a deadline extension to the second HRUBS Utility Bill Pandemic Relief Program that originally became effective on Monday, December 21, 2020. This program provides a total of $1,378,452.19 in financial assistance to qualifying City of Suffolk residential and non-residential customers who are experiencing financial hardship due to employment impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The program is supported by the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and allows the Suffolk Department of Public Utilities to provide this assistance through a statewide Municipal Utility Relief Fund. Residential and non-residential customers with delinquent water and wastewater utility bill charges from March 1, 2020 to November 30, 2021 are encouraged to apply for assistance through this program. The City will provide assistance to qualifying residents and businesses with COVID-related past due balances until November 30, 2021 or until the funding runs out.  

To qualify, applicants must self-certify they have experienced COVID-related issues that have caused economic hardship such as: job layoffs; job loss due to employment closings; reduction in work hours; staying home to care for children due to day care and school closings; or lost child or spousal support. Relief also covers those who have been unable to work or missed work due to contracting COVID-19; unable to find work due to COVID-19; or unable to participate in their previous employment due to a high risk of severe illness.

Applicants can verbally apply by phone by answering some brief questions or they can submit a short online application. To obtain an online application, download the form via the following link,  https://www.suffolkva.us/1471/COVID-19-Utility-Relief, or call 757-514-7450 to apply by phone.