STEP Financial Assistance Plan Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions explain the features of the Financial Assistance Plan. If you need additional information, please go to www.indygov.org/STEP or call (317) 327-8314.
Q: Who is eligible for the STEP Financial Assistance Plan?
A: A resident’s annual gross household income must be at or below $45,553 to be eligible for the plan. Additionally, residents will receive a credit of $3,650 for each household dependent.
Single person or married couple with no dependents $45,553
Single person or married couple with one dependent $49,203
Single person or married couple with two dependents $52,853
Single person or married couple with three dependents $56,503
Add $3,650 for each additional dependent
Q: What will my monthly payments be?
A: $49/month for 60 months (5 years), which includes
minor administrative fees. Installment bills will begin when your sewer connection permit is filed. After billing is initiated, you will be responsible for payments totaling $2,940.
Q: When can I apply?
A: You may apply at or after your neighborhood’s sewer
construction public meeting.
Q: How do I complete the Financial Assistance Plan application?
A: Please follow these four steps.
1. Provide all requested information. Incomplete
applications will delay the review process for your
application.
2. The application requires proof of taxable income for your household. You must include a copy of your most recent Federal Income Tax Return. If you do not file a Federal Income Tax Return because you receive Social Security or Disability benefits, you must
provide a Statement of Earnings. The Social Security or Disability office can provide this statement for you, free of charge. Please call 1-800-772-1213 to request this information.
3. Sign the STEP Financial Assistance Plan application.
4. Mail the completed application to the P.O. Box
address on the front of the application.
Q: When is the application due?
A: Applications may be submitted at or after your neighborhood sewer construction public meeting until three (3) months after the Marion County Health Department notifies you that you may connect to the new sewer. For example, if the Marion County Health Department notifies you on January 1 that sewers in your neighborhood are complete and ready for connection, you have until April 1 to apply for the STEP Financial Assistance Plan.
Q: How will I find out if I qualify?
A: The city will notify you via U.S. mail.
Q: What if my circumstances change – I move, my income increases or I am unable to make payments?
A: When a resident is approved for the STEP Financial Assistance Plan, the Department of Public Works will file a lien on the property. Once all installment payments totaling $2,940 have been paid to the city, the lien will be released from the property. If you plan to sell your home, you will first need to pay the remaining balance of your STEP Financial Assistance Plan before a clear title can be transferred. Once you qualify for the STEP Financial Assistance Plan, the city will not re-verify your income.
Q: What does my contractor need to know about this program?
A: If you are approved for the STEP Financial Assistance Plan, the city will send you two copies of an approval certificate. Give one copy to your contractor and keep one copy for your records. Your contractor will use the certificate to “pay” your connection fee when he/she is obtaining construction permits. If your contractor would like more information, have him/her call (317) 327-8314.
Q: Can I apply for the STEP Financial Assistance Plan for the rental property I own?
A: Yes. The STEP Financial Assistance Plan would be available for your primary residence or any rental properties within a STEP project area for which you are listed as owner through a properly recorded deed/title as confirmed in the city/county property system.