Gov’t announces help for federal employees impacted by DHS shutdown.

Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli (on screens) said that with thousands of federal employees and their families left without full compensation, the Puerto Rico government is implementing a temporary extension on water bills as well as relief for existing payment plans administered by the island Treasury Department.

By THE STAR STAFF

As part of an effort aimed at providing stability and relief to families across the island, the administration of Gov. Jenniffer González Colón on Thursday announced a special support initiative for federal employees in Puerto Rico impacted by the ongoing shutdown of agencies under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

During the latest edition of “En Récord,” Public Affairs Secretary Jean Peña Payano joined Gabriella Boffelli, executive director of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration; Luis González Delgado, executive president of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA); and Karla Medina, director of the Youth Development Program at the Department of Economic Development, to outline how affected workers can apply for available assistance.

Boffelli noted that although the U.S. House of Representatives approved bipartisan funding to keep DHS open, the U.S. Senate has not reached an agreement, leaving thousands of federal employees and their families without full compensation. In response, the Puerto Rico government is implementing a temporary extension on water bills as well as relief for existing payment plans administered by the Treasury Department.

The Treasury Department will grant a moratorium on payment plans for any federal employee affected by the shutdown who currently has an active plan.

During the moratorium period employees will not be required to make payments, no automatic debits will be processed, payment plans will not be canceled for noncompliance and the plan’s end date will be extended by the length of the moratorium.

Residents may complete Treasury-related requests through the phone, in person or online through Servicios al Contribuyente. 

González Delgado emphasized PRASA’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to essential water services.

“Our priority is to guarantee that all our customers maintain access to water,” he said. “In moments like this, we want to offer peace of mind to those serving our island and the nation during a period of uncertainty.”

The extension applies to employees who can certify that they work for DHS-affiliated agencies, including: Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Secret Service (USSS), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), and Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A).

Employees must present official proof of employment, such as a valid ID or document certifying their agency.

PRASA will process requests through ayudaempleadosfederales@acueductospr.com; through the Customer Service Line: 787‑620‑2482 (6 a.m.-11 p.m., seven days a week) or in person: PRASA offices, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Once validated, PRASA will place an exception block on the customer’s account, preventing service suspension for the duration of the federal shutdown.