We recognize many of our elderly customers are on fixed or limited incomes and may have some difficulty paying their bill because the bill date may not coincide with the dates they will receive social security, disability or retirement checks.
Our Golden Opportunities Plan enables customers who are 62 years of age or older, retired, and on a limited or fixed income to pay their quarterly utility bill up to 21 days after the due date on the bill. Customers must contact our office during regular hours Monday – Friday, 8 A.M. – 5 P.M. to make arrangements for this payment extension.
What is the Lend a Helping Hand Program?
We recognize that sometimes our customers have temporary hardships in paying their bills. Since it is illegal for us to provide free water and wastewater service, we started the Lend a Helping Hand Program. This program allows customers to voluntarily donate a set amount when paying their quarterly utility bill. Donations are then used to pay the bills of those with temporary hardships.
Who has been helped by the program?
To date, the Lend a Helping Hand program has helped almost 313 customers in paying their quarterly utility bills. The average help has been approximately $103 per recipient.
Who is eligible for this program?
Customers who are:
- Elderly, 60 years of age or older whose household income is below the poverty level;
- Handicapped whose household income is below the poverty level;
- Low income households below the poverty level; or
- Any customer who has an emergency situation which results in temporary hardships.
What does the program cover?
The program only covers payments of the currently due utility bills. Help to households is limited to one time in a twelve-month period with a maximum payment of $350.00.
Who decides how donations are spent?
The Catholic Charities Bureau determines who receives assistance based on program eligibility requirements. Catholic Charities does not receive any compensation for this service and is required to consider each case without reference to the applicant’s race, ethnic origin, nationality, primary language, religion, political affiliation, sex, marital status, or any disability. The Authority does not decide who gets assistance.
Who administers the program’s funds?
The Authority keeps the Lend a Helping Hand funds in a separate bank account. Funds in this special account are used only for paying the utility bills of those who need assistance.
Who pays for the expenses of the program?
The Authority pays for the printing of reports, donation forms, and annual audits required by the program. The Authority personnel are assigned to account for the funds. 100% of the donations given to the program go to helping those in need.
How can I help with this program?
Almost 300 Authority customers are already giving an average of $3 per quarter or $12 per year. You can sign up by filling out a donation card and sending it in with your utility bill payment. If you wish, you may add your donation to your utility payment and send it along with your signed authorization form. Or if you prefer, we will start your donation on your next quarterly bill. You can also make a one-time donation by inserting the amount on your payment stub.
 Downloadable Document: |
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What if I want to stop my donation?
If you wish to stop your contribution to the program, all you have to do is pay just your utility bill and we will drop you from the program. You may stop your donation at any time.
What if I have more questions about the program?
You can call us at: 904-272-5999, Ext. 2448
Reach us by email:  Click here
or write us at the address provided below:
Clay County Utility Authority
Attn: Lend a Helping Hand Program
3176 Old Jennings Road , Middleburg, FL 32068
Email: Melody Turner
- Salvation Army – (904) 276-6677, Extension 5
- Community Action – (904) 278-5796
- St. Catherine’s Catholic Church – (904) 264-0577
- St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church – (904) 387-2061
- Pinewood Presbyterian Church – (904) 272-7177, Extension 16 (By Appointment Only)
- St Luke’s Catholic Church – (904) 282-0439 (Tuesdays & Thursdays Only)
- Sacred Heart Catholic Church – (904) 284-3811, Extension 207 (Tuesdays & Thursdays Only)
- Orange Park United Methodist Church - (904) 264-2241
Please Note: Services listed above do not promise same day payment. Ample amount of time must be given in order to receive payment before utilities are discontinued. This service will only be provided to help you once a year. |