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SAN DIEGO (KUSI/FOX 5) — San Diegans who are struggling to pay the city’s new trash and recycling fees may now qualify for financial relief.
Starting today, eligible homeowners can apply for a new assistance program that city officials say could reduce annual solid waste fees by 50% or, in some cases, cover the full cost for qualifying households.
City leaders say applications are now open, but some residents told FOX 5/KUSI they weren’t aware the help existed.
“It’s really meaningful for us that we were able to launch that program for those customers that are most impacted by the fee,” said Jeremy Bauer, assistant director with the City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department (ESD).
Who runs the program?
The program is managed by the City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department, in partnership with the nonprofit MAAC, which will help process applications and verify eligibility.
Who qualifies?
To be eligible, applicants must:
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Own and live in the home as their primary residence, and
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Live at a property that receives City of San Diego trash and recycling service, and
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Meet at least one of the following:
Income-based eligibility
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Household income at or below 60% of California’s State Median Income
Program-based eligibility
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At least one household member is enrolled in assistance programs such as:
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LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
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City officials estimate about 7,000 households could qualify this year.
How to apply
The city says applications can be submitted online, where homeowners will upload required financial documents.
“If you go to SanDiego.gov/trash you’ll be able to upload your financial information and from there you’ll submit the information,” Bauer said. “MAAC’s team will review the information and follow up if you qualify.”
How long will it take to hear back?
Officials say processing time will depend on demand.
“We estimate it could be maybe three or four weeks maybe faster, maybe slower depending on the demand of the program,” Bauer said.
Some residents say they didn’t know help was coming
Even with the program launching today, some San Diegans told FOX 5/KUSI they hadn’t heard about the assistance option.
“I didn’t know anything about it. No one has mentioned it to me,” said resident Marisa Estreda. “Yeah I wish I knew about it. If I qualify for it, it’s a nice option.”
What’s next
City officials say they expect a wave of applicants now that the program is live and encourage anyone who believes they may qualify to apply as soon as possible.
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