The assistance program provides up to $900 per year toward paying utility bills for income-constrained households inside the New Braunfels city limits. Aug. 1 marked the beginning of the new program year, allowing applicants who reached the maximum assistance to reapply, according to the city.
The specifics
According to a news release, participation is limited to households with incomes that are 200% of the federal poverty limit, which is $60,000 for a family of four. The first round of expanded resources was available to qualified applicants last year due to existing utility bill assistance programs that received nearly $500,000 from the city's allocation of federal American Rescue Plan Act funding.
Applications can be submitted online at www.comalcountycares.com. Before starting an application, the city recommends residents should have the following items available:
- Front and back of utility bill, which must show taxes and fees
- Picture ID (driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport) for the utility account holder
- Proof of income, which may include Social Security information, two recent paycheck stubs, W2 for all adult income earners, Food Stamp or Medicaid documentation
The program is part of a partnership among the city of New Braunfels, the McKenna Foundation, the New Braunfels Food Bank, the Family Life Center, the Community Council of South Central Texas and the Salvation Army.
The New Braunfels Public Library offers computer assistance and guidance with the application process. Incomplete applications will not be processed, according to the city. More information about the utility bill assistance program can be found at www.comalcountycares.com.
