Struggling to pay bills during the pandemic? Here are some programs that can help.
More than eight months into the coronavirus pandemic, North Carolina residents are increasingly struggling to pay their bills. Over 1.3 million people have applied for unemployment. Across the state, about 2.2 million people — about a quarter of the population — are having difficulty paying normal household expenses and over a quarter of a million are experiencing housing insecurity, according to a Census Bureau survey.
At the same time, many of the programs launched in the first months of the pandemic to suspend payments and provide relief have expired and Congress has come to a standstill on renewing them.
So where do relief programs for North Carolinians in need stand? Here’s a list, which we’ll update as programs change.
Eviction protection
Evictions for nonpayment of rent and fees are suspended federally by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through Dec. 31. The suspension is enforced by the state, according to an executive order passed by Gov. Roy Cooper in October. See information from Legal Aid of North Carolina about your rights as a tenant during the moratorium.
If you’re facing eviction in Wake County, the House Wake! program is still accepting applications. Visit wakegov.com/housing, calling 919-899-9911 or emailing housing@telamon.org. The program will accept applications through the end of the year. In Durham County, you can seek housing assistance through the county’s eviction diversion program by calling the Crisis Services center at 919-560-8000.
Unemployment benefits
The North Carolina Department of Employment Security is administering seven different federal and state assistance programs for unemployed workers. A summary of the programs is available on DES’ website.
Foreclosure prevention
Foreclosures for nonpayment of single-family mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration are suspended until Dec. 31. Other North Carolina mortgage-holders are not protected.
Water shut-offs
Water shut-offs have resumed after a statewide moratorium expired over the summer. In Wake County, residents can apply for assistance with their water bill through the Utility Customer Assistance Program or the WakeHELPS program.
Durham residents can apply for assistance with their water bill through the city’s Water Hardship Fund.
Electricity
Electricity shut-offs have also resumed. Low-income households can apply for one-time assistance with heating bills through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program.
Childcare support
In Wake County, working parents struggling to pay for a safe location for their children to attend virtual school, or receive before and after school care can apply for help through WakeSUPPORTS. The program is accepting applications through Nov. 30. In Durham county, parents can access a child care subsidy by calling the Crisis Services center at 919-560-8000.
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
DMV fees for most driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals are now due, after an extension ended over the summer. Renewals for commercial licenses and learner’s permits, or for people with state IDs and handicapped placards issued by the DMV, have been extended until 30 days after the governor lifts the state of emergency. People who need a license can get one without taking a road test as long as they meet other requirements.
Small business assistance
Small businesses can access financial assistance through the NC Commerce Department’s Mortgage, Utility, and Rent Relief Program, which can provide up to $20,000 to qualifying businesses; NC Rapid Recovery, which offers loans up to $250,000; and Retool NC, which provides aid to certified Historically Underutilized Businesses. Small businesses in Durham County can access funding through the Durham Small Business Recovery Fund; small businesses in Wake County can apply to the Wake Forward program.
This story was originally published October 14, 2020 at 5:15 PM.