South Bay Community Services is accepting applications for the Emergency Family Utility Assistance Program through Friday, Sept. 11.
The program, supported by funding from the city of National City, will grant selected eligible families who live in National City up to three payments for a maximum of up to $1,000 per household to help pay for gas, electric, phone and internet bills that are past due.
South Bay Community Services Family Stabilization Program Director Geri Schroeder said the program is one of many emergency relief programs that have been launched in recent months in combination with the city of National City to help alleviate the hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Not only the health but also the financial effects of COVID-19 are being widely felt by residents of the San Diego communities we serve,” Schroeder said.
The program is only open to residents of National City who are part of a family with at least one minor dependent residing in the household.
To qualify, applicants must earn at or below 80 percent of area median income based on the chart that accompanies the application.
Applicants must also have a financial hardship related to COVID-19.
According to the application, this includes loss of income due to job loss, furlough, reduction in hours as a result of compliance with public health to self-quarantine or having to provide care for a minor child residing at home.
“This program is of particular importance to maintaining the basic connectivity services necessary for families to access distance learning and similar resources,” Schroeder said.
Applications will only be processed if they are fully completed and include all required documentation.
The online application is available at www.southbaycommunityservices.org.
If the number of qualified applications exceeds the funding allocation, South Bay Community Services will organize a randomized lottery for all applicants to provide an equal opportunity for selection.
Applicants will be notified of their status the week of Sept. 28.
