Geraldo Reyes Jr

We have faced a number of challenges over the past year regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and although we may not be fully out of the woods, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. As our community continues to rally behind those in need, I want to remind you of a number of resources you can still utilize for financial assistance below.

Most, if not all of the funding for these resources has come in the form of three different stimulus acts to help mitigate the economic impact of COVID, the most recent being the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Below you will find those resources, how to access them and how much money Waterbury is anticipated to receive from ARPA.

American Rescue Plan Funding

The state government, individual towns and municipalities, and all school districts in Connecticut are receiving over $10 Billion in direct assistance under this third stimulus program recently passed. Waterbury is anticipated to receive $76,682,989 from the allocated funds. You can click here to read an analysis of aid received by our state by the CT Office of Fiscal Analysis.

Financial Resources

1. Unemployment assistance programs and the PUA program – Unemployment assistance (UA) is available for those who lost their job in 2020 and cannot find a new position. UA benefits have been extended to September 6, 2021, and have been supplemented by $300 per week from the Federal Govt. You can apply here.
   • A special program, “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA),” has been created for self-employed and independent contractors and is available until September 6, 2021. PUA is also available to those diagnosed and unable to work because of COVID. Click here for details on PUA eligibility and how to apply.
2. Rental and Utility bill assistance - The UniteCT program is available to Connecticut households having trouble paying rent or utility bills. This program provides up to $10,000 in rental assistance and $1,500 in utility bill assistance to households making less than 80% of median area-HUD income. The median area-HUD income varies by town and household size. You can look it up here for Waterbury-specific requirements. For four-member households with income below $95,000 are eligible for assistance, click here.
3. Targeted assistance for restaurants and venues - The Restaurant Revitalization Grant Program (RRG) is available to restaurants that have lost revenue because of COVID. Eligible restaurants can receive an amount up to the lost revenue in 2020. These amounts do not need to be repaid as long as they are spent on certain allowable expenses i.e. salaries. This program is different from the PPP program and is being administered by the Small Business Administration. Venue operators (museums, live theater, movie theater etc.) are also eligible to get a similar grant from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program. These grants can be as large as $10 Million. Publicly listed companies and firms with more than 20 locations are NOT eligible. The restaurant revitalization grant program will be rolled out April 8. Click here to find out more before applying.
4. Paycheck protection program (PPP) for small businesses - Small businesses impacted by COVID can get assistance through the PPP program introduced last year. The PPP program provides forgivable loans for an amount equal to three months of payroll. The loan amount is forgiven if used to pay salaries (including proprietor salary) and other permitted expenses. This program is also available to single-person businesses which have seen deterioration in their business income. The last date to apply for this program is May 31, 2021. Click here to apply.
5. Direct stimulus checks (cash payments) - The Federal government has made three direct cash payments in the last twelve months to individuals and households with income below a certain threshold. The third of these stimulus checks is $1,400 for each individual of a household (each dependent counts irrespective of age) and is being sent now. Click here to track your payment.