Overdue bills because of COVID-19? Federal money is there to help. – Burlington Free Press

The hardships imposed by COVID-19 are not over yet. Many Vermonters are still struggling to pay existing and past bills, and the state's utilities have gotten together to remind us there are two federal grant programs one for homeowners and one for renters available to help.

But peopleshould apply now, before the money runs out.

The Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program (VERAPP) provides federal grant money for qualified renters to help pay their past due and ongoing utility bills and rent. Learn more and apply at https://vtutilityhelp.com, or by calling 833-3727.

The Vermont Homeowner Assistance Program (VT HAP) provides federal grant money for qualified homeowners to help pay up to $30,000 of their past due utility bills, mortgage, and association fees. Learn more and apply at https://vermonthap.vhfa.org/ or by calling 833-221-4208.

More: Vermont is stopping free COVID testing on June 25. Here's what you need to know.

Both programs are tied to income to qualify. In the case of the assistance program for renters, household income must be at or below 80% of the county median.

The program for homeowners includes a pre-screening calculator that will show income limitsbased on the county of residenceand the size of thehousehold. A household of four living in Chittenden County, for example, can qualify with a gross household income of $160,950 annually or less.

In addition to these federal grant programs, peoplecan always take the step of contacting theutility directly to set up a payment plan for past due bills.

Contact Dan DAmbrosio at 802-660-1841 or ddambrosio@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDambrosioVT.This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.

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Overdue bills because of COVID-19? Federal money is there to help. - Burlington Free Press