COVID-19 Utilities Assistance Program

COVID-19 Utilities Assistance Program

The City of Rocky Mount Council approved the Community and Business Development fiscal year 20-21 Annual Action Plan on July 13, 2020 which awarded Community Development Block Grant CARES Act (CDBG-CV) funding to support the COVID-19 UAP (Utilities Assistance Program).

The COVID-19 UAP provides a one-time emergency assistance payment up to $500 for City of Rocky Mount utility customers who have experienced a documented loss or reduction of income due to COVID-19. Income limits and other eligibility requirements are listed below. Assistance is available on a first come first service basis until funds are exhausted. Payments will be made directly to the customer's utility account after the customer signs the Receipt of Assistance Acknowledgement.

Eligibility Per Federal Guidelines

  • The applicant must be a City of Rocky Mount primary utility account holder.

  • The applicant's household must have experienced or are experiencing a loss of income directly related to COVID-19, which can be documented. Some examples may include but are not limited to:

    • Furloughed, laid off or reduction of hours

    • Inability to work due to lack of childcare

    • Reduction self-employment income

    • Rescission of job offer or delay in start date

    • Closure or reduction of hours for a business owned/operated by applicant, the spouse or household member

  • At the time of application, the applicants account must be current on any city utility bill that was due prior to March 31, 2020.

  • The applicant must a United States citizen or non-citizen who has Eligible Immigration Status as a Permanent Resident under §249 of INA.

  • The household's current COVID-affected gross monthly income must be at or below 80% of the Rocky Mount Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) income limits as listed below. These numbers are derived from the FY 2020 CDBG income limits:

    Household Size Max Monthly Income
    1 $2,712.50
    2 $3,100.00
    3 $3,487.50
    4 $3,875.00
    5 $4,187.50
    6 $4,495.83
    7 $4,808.33
    8 $5,116.67

  • Those who exceed income limits may contact a Customer Assistance Specialist at 252-972-1250 to continue intake process.



Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process

Applications may be obtained via any of the methods listed below:

  • Complete online

  • Download PDF

  • COVID-19 Response: Pick-up at the Business Services Center via the drive-thru window during regular business hours

  • Mail to applicant upon request. Applicant can call 252-972-1250 make request.

Completed applications can be submitted via any of the methods listed below:

  • COVID-19 Response: Customers can submit applications and supporting documents via the drive-thru window located at the Business Services Center during regular drive-thru hours. If a customer has questions, they may call 252-972-1250. 

  • Applicants can mail completed application and supporting documentation to:

    City of Rocky Mount
    Business Services Center
    Attn: Customer Assistance Specialist
    P.O. Box 1180
    Rocky Mount, NC 27802 

  • Customers can submit application and supporting documents via email at [email protected] with the subject line "COVID 19 UAP Application".

Please be aware incomplete applications or those with missing documents will not be reviewed. The customer will receive a denial letter or email at which time the customer must reapply.

Complete Package Includes:

  • Completed and signed COVID-19 UAP application

  • Documentation supporting loss of household income due to COVID-19

  • Copy of a valid photo ID for the applicant

  • Copy of the applicant's Social Security Card and acknowledgement that Social Security Cards for any household member 18 years or older can be provided upon request

  • Proof of income prior to COVID-19 income related loss and current income for all household members 18 years or older. 

  • Completed and signed Duplication of Benefits Certification

  • Benefit verification letter for each person in the household from the Social Security Administration (document obtainable here)