Frequently Asked Questions |
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How do I qualify for rate assistance? Rate assistance is generally available to homeowners who live at the address for which they're requesting the rebate. Rate assistance is not available to owners for their rental properties. As well, homeowners are limited to one rebate per customer. Applicants must meet the income eligibility requirements. These requirements are based on the total gross income for all members living in the home. Do I need to provide proof of income eligibility? You do not need to supply proof of income eligibility when you apply. However, at some point during the five years of your assistance, we will ask you to verify in writing your income eligibility by providing income documentation. I just received an approval letter telling me I'll be receiving rate assistance. How can I tell if I'm going to get a credit on my bi-monthly bill or a once-a-year check? If you normally receive a County Joint Utility Bill every two months, you should see a credit on your bill. There are, however, exceptions to this. If you live in a duplex or other multi-family dwelling, you will likely receive a check instead of a credit. And if you receive a monthly utility bill from the cities of Sacramento, Folsom or West Sacramento, you will receive a yearly check instead of a bill credit. Can I request a check instead of a credit? No. How long will it take for the credit to appear on my bill? The credit will appear on either your next bill or your following bill. If no credit has appeared by your second bill after approval, please call the hotline at 916-875-5500. Do I need to apply separately for the Sacramento County Solid Waste and Sacramento County Water Agency rebates? No, one application allows you to apply for all three programs. I just received a letter telling me I am approved for the sewer rebate, but not for the solid waste or water rebates. Why don't I qualify for all three rebates? Unless you receive your garbage collection and water service from the County of Sacramento, you cannot receive these rebates. Check your utility bills. You could receive your solid waste collection service from one of the local cities. And your water service could be provided by any of 20 different local agencies or businesses. Do I need to reapply each year for rate assistance? No, once you're approved for the program, there is no need to reapply for five years. I'm a renter. Can I qualify for the rate assistance if my name is on the sewer bill? Rate assistance is primarily for homeowners, but if you are a renter whose name appears on the sewer bill, and you are totally responsible for paying that bill, you may qualify for assistance. I've been receiving rate assistance, but recently my income has increased. What should I do? Just call the rate assistance hotline at 916-875-5500 and tell us that you no longer qualify for the program and would like to be removed. If in the future, you become eligible again, just reapply for the program. I'm a customer who does not qualify for rate assistance. Are my monthly rates funding this rate-assistance program? No, the funding for this program comes from revenue sources other than rates and fees. |
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