Capitol Update: Rent/Utility Support and More
Rental and Utility Assistance…
Acting through the Department of Housing (DOH), the State of Connecticut is developing the UniteCT Program. This $235 million program will provide rental and utility payment assistance to qualified Connecticut households financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program will financially support households earning up to 80% of the HUD Area Median Income. Click here to see a table of all the towns in CT and their Area Median Income, or check out the map below to find your town’s AMI. Both the table and the map provide the same information.
Click here to access UniteCT’s interactive eligibility map
The online portal is open and accessible through any computer or smartphone by clicking the “Apply Now” button below. Once a tenant or landlord logs in to the portal, there is step-by-step guidance to complete the application through written explanation and training videos. In the upper right hand corner of each screen of the application there is a question mark (?) that opens video training support.
Tenants and landlords should work together to complete their sections of the application and track their progress online. Community stakeholders are working throughout the state to help those who have barriers to internet access and technology.
You must first register to get an email invitation to start your application. Paper applications will not be accepted.
For technical support and guidance call 1-844-UniteCT (1-844-864-8328) or email DOH-UniteCT@ct.gov.
Click here for FAQ’s and more guidance
***
FEMA Funeral Assistance…
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
Additional guidance is being finalized and will be released to potential applicants and community partners as soon as possible. In the meantime, people who have COVID-19 funeral expenses are encouraged to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include:
- An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
- Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
- Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:
- The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
- The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
- The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
- There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
How to Apply
- Applications begin on April 12, 2021
- COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number: 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time
How Funds are Received
If you are eligible for funeral assistance you will receive a check by mail, or funds by direct deposit, depending on which option you choose when you apply for assistance.
Additional Resources
- COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Individuals and Households Program Policy (Interim)
- Funeral Assistance FAQ
- March 24th Press Release
***
Free Weekend Bus Service During the Summer…
CTtransit will provide free, statewide bus service to all customers every weekend this summer beginning Memorial Day weekend and lasting through Labor Day.
In addition to Saturdays and Sundays, the free service will also include the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 31, 2021; the observed Independence Day holiday on Monday, July 5, 2021; and the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 6, 2021.
To learn more about routes and destinations offered by CTtransit, visit www.cttransit.com.
Plan a Trip
***
DECD Arts Administrator Fellowship Program…
The Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship provides funding to individuals to pursue professional development opportunities that will advance their careers in arts administration. Arts administration is the field that concerns the business operations of an arts organization, including but not limited to staff management, public relations, marketing, budget/fiscal management, board development, fund-raising, program development and evaluation.
An applicant may request up to $2,500. There is no predetermined number of Fellowships to be awarded.
To be eligible you must be a resident and:
- be an arts administrator or an individual who aspires to become an arts administrator;
- be affiliated, as paid staff, contractual worker or a volunteer, with a Connecticut non-profit arts organization at time of application;
- be affiliated, as paid staff, contractual worker or a volunteer, with a Connecticut non-profit arts organization at time of professional development activity; and
- have a minimum of two (2) years and less than ten (10) years of experience in the arts, not necessarily in the field of arts administration.
Application Deadline
Applications are due by Wednesday, April 7, 2021 by 11:59 PM.