HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Effective Date: April 1, 2025
Purpose
We understand that unexpected financial challenges can arise, making it difficult for residents to pay rent on time. The Resident Hardship Assistance Program is designed to provide temporary relief and support to qualifying tenants, offering flexibility while ensuring the sustainability of the management of the property.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Hardship Program, residents must:
- Be current on rent prior to applying (no outstanding balances beyond 30 days).
- Demonstrate a genuine financial hardship (e.g., job loss, medical emergency, or other unforeseen circumstances).
- Submit a completed Late Fee Waiver Request Form within 5 business days of the rent due date.
How to Apply
- Submit a Request: Contact the property manager via email or in person to request a Fee Waiver Request Form.
- Provide Documentation: Include a brief explanation of the hardship and supporting evidence (e.g., termination letter, medical bill, bank statement showing reduced income).
- Review Process: Management will review the request within 3 business days and notify the tenant of approval or denial.
Program Benefits
Approved tenants may receive:
- Payment Extension: Up to 15 additional days to pay full rent without late fees.
- Work Trade Plan: Option to complete a job around the property in exchange for partial or full rent payment.
- Resource Referral: Information on local assistance programs (e.g., rental aid, food banks).
Note: Benefits are granted on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Participation is limited to once per 12-month period per tenant.
Terms and Conditions
- Good Faith Effort: Residents must show intent to pay by communicating promptly and adhering to the agreed-upon plan.
- No Eviction Delay: Failure to meet the terms of the hardship plan may result in standard late fees and/or eviction proceedings as per the lease agreement.
- Confidentiality: All applications and documentation will be kept private and secure.
- Non-Transferable: Relief applies only to the applying resident and lease term.
ExamplE Timeline
- March 1: Rent due. Resident loses job and cannot pay.
- March 4: Resident submits Hardship Request Form with proof of job loss.
- March 7: Management approves a 15-day extension.
- March 16: Resident pays full rent by the extended deadline, avoiding late fees.
Contact Us
For questions or to apply, reach out to a property manager via email or phone.
Our Commitment
We value our tenants and aim to foster a supportive community. This program reflects our dedication to working with you during challenging times while maintaining a fair and consistent rental process.
Available Assistance Services
We have compiled a list of services below that will aid you in making your rent and utility payments on time if you have an unfortunate job loss or other financial hardship. Please contact us with any questions if you experience financial hardship so that we may help you get back on your feet.
New Opportunities:
The New Opportunities housing program targets families and individuals who are at risk of becoming homeless as the result of the upcoming eviction or foreclosure. Some of the challenges addressed in this kind of mediation include delinquent mortgage payments; back rent due; repairs; housing code violations; utility bills and miscommunication.
Phone: (860) 482-9749.
The New Start program can help eliminate your outstanding balance in as little as 12 months. If you make on-time monthly payments, we’ll make up the difference.
How it Works
- We’ll review your account billing history and set a monthly payment plan based on the average of your regular monthly bill.
- When you make your New Start monthly payment, a portion of your total balance at the time of enrollment will be eliminated, or “forgiven,” reducing the amount you owe. The amount forgiven each month is calculated by taking your total enrolled balance and dividing it by 12.
- As long as you continue to make your New Start payment, your service will not be shut-off for non-payment.
For example, if your budget payment amount is set at $150 per month and your past due balance is $1,200, for every month you make your required $150 budget payment towards your current bill, we will reduce your past-due balance by $100.
Learn More: https://www.eversource.com/content/residential/account-billing/payment-assistance/new-start
CT Energy Assistance Program:
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is designed to help offset the winter heating costs of Connecticut’s lower income households, specifically those households whose incomes fall at or below 60 percent of the state median income.
Winter heating assistance pays for a household’s primary heating source such as oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, coal, wood and wood pellets on behalf of eligible households. The amount of heat assistance may not be sufficient to cover a household’s entire winter heating cost.
Contact 1-800-842-1132 for more info.
Department of Social Services Rental Assistance:
Contact: Steve DiLella
Director
Phone: 860-270-8081
Singlemomassistance.org
Rental assistance, food stamps, WIC, Health insurance, counseling, etc.
Online: www.singlemomassistance.com
Phone: 855-626-6632.
Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
http://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1552
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a Federally-funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills. LIHEAP can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of health and safety problems (such as illness, fire, or eviction).
The Connecticut CEAP program is available from November 1st through April 30th each year and may be able to offer you one or more of the following types of assistance:
- Bill payment assistance.
- Energy crisis assistance.
- Weatherization and energy-related home repairs.
Benefits.gov
A resource for all types of benefits (rent assistance, energy assistance, food stamps, etc)
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