The Los Angeles City Council approved a program on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 championed by Council President Nury Martinez as Chair of the Ad-Hoc COVID-19 Recovery & Neighborhood Investment Committee to provide $50 million in federal CARES Act funding to assist struggling low-income Angelenos with utility costs.
The COVID-19 Utility Grant Program comes off of two motions introduced by Martinez and is a partnership with the Department of Water & Power (LADWP) and will prioritize those impacted by COVID-19 and already enrolled in the LADWP’s low-income assistance program. City of Los Angeles’ residents who are DWP customers making 50% Area Median Income (AMI) or lower will be eligible to receive $500 to assist with utility costs, including: gas service, cellular phone, Wi-Fi, and internet/cable services. The program will serve up to 100,000 households.
Applicants must be an LADWP residential customer with an online account in order to complete an online application during the program enrollment period of November 2 – 15, 2020.
While grants will be allocated via lottery, priority will be given to customers currently enrolled (as of November 1st) in one of four LADWP assistance programs: the Low-Income Discount Program; Lifeline Rate; Life Support Equipment Discount; or Physicians Certified Allowance Discount.
Please go to ladwp.com for general information. A Utility Grant Program Link will be available there soon.