COVID-19: New resources for rent and utility payments announced

(July 22, 2020 - Blue Ash)

Hamilton County and Duke Energy have announced services to help those struggling to pay bills due to COVID-19.

$3.5 million in assistance is available through three local agencies for those who need help paying rent and utilities, Hamilton County officials announced today.

“The Hamilton County CARES Rent and Utility Relief Program draws on CARES Act funds to provide short term assistance to renters who live in Hamilton County and can document income loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Freestore Foodbank, Talbert House and Community Action Agency were awarded the competitively bid contracts totaling $3.5 million. Together, the providers aim to help more than 1,200 renting households,” according to a Hamilton County news release.

Click here for information on how to apply.

Duke Energy is also offering help to customers who are facing COVID-19 related financial hardships.

Here are some of the options Duke Energy outlined in a July 17, 2020, Customer Assistance and Relief Options fact sheet (click here to view the full fact sheet PDF):

•Payment extensions and arrangements, giving customers extra time to pay
•Payment programs such as equalized billing, enabling customers to budget more effectively
•Custom due dates, allowing customers to choose a pay date that best fits their needs
•Access to assistance agencies and third-party charity organizations that assist households with utility payments

Extended payment arrangements can now be set up online for residential Duke Energy customers facing economic hardship. Customers simply select an option that best suits their needs and enter their Duke Energy account number or telephone number to begin the process. Customers with more complex needs can speak with a customer care representative at 800-544-6900 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.