North Carolina has announced a new program offering financial assistance to help families pay water bills.  

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says the state has been awarded more than $38 million in federal funding to establish a new water assistance program. The money is primarily aimed at residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective immediately, eligible households that have had water service cut off, or have received notice of an impending cutoff, can apply for financial help through the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program.

According to a news release, this is a temporary emergency program that will provide a one-time payment directly to the utility company.

Households that currently receive other forms of state assistance are automatically eligible to receive the benefit.

Beginning January 1, residents not facing immediate water service cut-off can apply for assistance if they meet eligibility requirements.