The City of Albany's Emergency Utility Assistance Program (EUAP) provides one-time financial assistance to residential utility customers experiencing a sudden, unexpected financial hardship due to a qualifying life event. The program helps customers maintain essential utility services during temporary emergencies by applying a credit directly to their City of Albany utility account.
The Community Services Consortium (CSC) administers applications on behalf of the City of Albany. Eligible households may receive:
- A one-time $270 credit applied directly to their City of Albany utility account.
- Assistance is limited to one award per household during each fiscal year (July 1–June 30).
- Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis until annual program funds are exhausted.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a residential City of Albany utility customer.
- Have an active City of Albany utility account in their name.
- Have experienced a qualifying emergency (see below) within the previous 90 days.
- Meet all program documentation requirements.
Qualifying Emergency Events
Applicants must provide documentation verifying the qualifying emergency. Provide only the documentation needed to determine eligibility.
Applicants must have experienced one of the following:
Loss of employment
Required Documentation:
- Layoff or termination notice
- Unemployment insurance approval or benefit statement
Death of an immediate family member
Required Documentation:
- Obituary
- Funeral or memorial program
- Death certificate
Divorce or legal separation resulting in financial hardship
Required Documentation:
- Filed court documents
- Filed separation agreement
- Letter from an attorney
- Self-attestation for domestic violence
Natural disaster or significant property loss, such as fire or flood
Required Documentation:
- Insurance claim documentation
- Verification of assistance from a relief agency (such as FEMA or the American Red Cross)
- Police or fire report (or report number)
How to Apply
1. Submit Application
Complete the online Emergency Utility Assistance Program application, including the required documentation (see below).
2. Review
The Community Services Consortium (CSC) will review your application and determine eligibility.
3. Notification
Applicants will be notified of the approval or denial decision.
4. Credit Applied
If approved, the City of Albany will apply the $270 credit directly to the utility account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive both Low-Income Assistance and Emergency Utility Assistance?
Yes. The Emergency Utility Assistance Program is separate from the City's Low-Income Assistance Program. If you qualify for both programs, you may apply for each separately.
How often can I receive assistance?
Eligible households may receive one Emergency Utility Assistance award per fiscal year (July 1 through June 30).
Is approval guaranteed?
No. Assistance is subject to eligibility requirements, available funding, and completion of the application process.
What if I need additional help?
If additional assistance is needed, CSC may refer applicants to other local, state, or federal assistance programs.
