The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed our economy over the last few months. DYK: in May, the Wake County unemployment rate reached 11.5% and 10,000+ Wake County customers currently owe $125 or more on utility bills due to lost income. In response, Wake County has created WakeHELPS, a program to assist residents who are behind on paying their utility bills.

Here's how it works:

○ The county will use approximately $5 million of CARES Act funding to support WakeHELPS through October or until the funds run out.

○ The program is intended to cover all utilities, including electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater, and solid waste services.

○ The program is only intended for Wake County residents in the low-moderate income category (maximum earnings are $39,540 for an individual + $56,460 for a family of four).

○ The household must be behind on bills + able to demonstrate inability to pay through submitting unpaid utility bills in the application.

○ Once approved, the county will send payment directly to the household’s utility provider, with a maximum relief amount of $500.

If you are interested in learning more about the program, you can check out the county’s frequently asked questions (FAQs) here, or call 919-212-0476.