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1. What happens if the homeowner cannot afford sewer repairs?

Assistance for low-income homeowners may be available through the City-Parish Community Development Block Grant Program, a Federal Grant Program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is administered by the City-Parish Office of Community Development. The provision of assistance under this program is subject to availability of funds. Find descriptions of the requirements and procedures on the Sewer Line Assistance Program page.

2. How do I apply for assistance?

1. A low-income homeowner who receives a letter from the City-Parish stating that there may be sanitary sewer line defects on the resident's property may write or call the City-Parish Office of Community Development and request an Application for Assistance. (Address is P.O. Box 1471, Baton Rouge, LA 70821; 389-3039).
2. An appointment with the homeowner will be scheduled for an application.
3. For the application, the property owner must be prepared to identify all amounts and sources of income to the household. Written authorization for the Office of Community Development to independently verify all information on the application will be required.
4. Before determination of assistance, OCD will verify income and home ownership of the applicant. Applicants found to be eligible will be notified in writing. A signed certification agreeing to the terms of the assistance is required from the applicant(s).
5. Assistance to eligible applicants is in the form of a grant. That is, there is no lien on the property nor any repayment requirement, provided that the applicant complies with all terms of the assistance.
6. Repairs will be contracted and scheduled by the City-Parish. Homeowners will be notified prior to the start of work.
7. Upon completion of the repairs, written notice will be provided to the homeowner.

3. What are the income limits?

Income is in terms of gross average monthly income. In order to be eligible, applicants must have a gross average monthly income below the income listed on the HUD / OCD Income Limits Table (PDF) for the family size of the applicant.