The City of Akron understands that sometimes, residents need a little help to get back on their feet. That’s why the Akron Cares Program was established – to offer one-time utility bill relief to eligible residents who are facing financial hardship and struggling to pay their City of Akron utility bills. This program provides a crucial helping hand to those in our community who need it most, offering a credit to ease their financial burden.
The Akron Cares Program is designed to provide a one-time credit of up to $500.00 towards a past-due City of Akron utility bill. It’s important to note that funding for this program is limited. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s essential to act quickly if you believe you are eligible and need support. If you are approved for the program, you will see a credit applied directly to your utility account within the City’s billing system. Please be aware that residents are eligible to receive this assistance only once within a 365-day period, ensuring that the program can reach as many households as possible throughout the year.
Who is Eligible for Akron Cares?
The Akron Cares Program is open to City of Akron residents who are facing difficulties in paying their utility bills and have a past-due balance. To qualify for this emergency funding, you must meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
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Participation in Assistance Programs: You are eligible if you have a participation letter (dated and including your name) from one of these programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps or EBT, which helps families afford groceries.
- WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), providing nutrition assistance for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
- Ohio Medicaid, the state’s healthcare program for low-income individuals and families.
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which assists with home heating and cooling costs.
- Percentage of Income Payment Plus (PIPP), offering a payment plan for gas and electric bills based on household income.
- Ohio Works First (OWF), Ohio’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, providing cash assistance and support services.
- Ohio Public Housing Benefits, for those receiving assistance with housing costs.
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Homestead Exemption: Homeowners residing in the property and currently receiving the Homestead Exemption, as verified through Summit County Property Records, are also eligible. This exemption reduces property taxes for qualifying homeowners.
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Income-Based Eligibility: If you do not have participation in the programs listed above, you can still qualify based on household income. You must provide verification (such as the two most recent pay stubs or SSI stubs) that your household income is less than 300% of the federal poverty level. The income chart below outlines the monthly and yearly income limits based on household size:
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Yearly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,220 | $38,640 |
| 2 | $4,355 | $52,260 |
| 3 | $5,490 | $65,880 |
| 4 | $6,625 | $79,500 |
| 5 | $7,760 | $93,120 |
| 6 | $8,895 | $106,740 |
| 7 | $10,030 | $120,360 |
| 8 | $11,165 | $133,980 |
For households with more than 8 persons, please add $13,620 to the yearly income limit for each additional person.
The Akron Cares Program is funded through the generous support of customers, city employees, and community partners, along with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. This collaborative effort demonstrates Akron’s commitment to supporting its residents.
Important Update: No Applications Currently Being Accepted
Currently, No Applications are Being Taken. Please note that the Akron Cares Program is not currently accepting new applications. For any questions regarding the program or its status, please contact Akron Public Utility Customer Service at (330) 375-2554 or simply dial 3-1-1 within Akron. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information and answer any queries you may have about utility billing and assistance programs in Akron.
