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For customers who are unable to pay their water bills in Chicago, the department offers various forms of financial assistance programs and payment plans that assist customers with paying their water bills and hopefully avoid a shut off of their water service.
The Chicago water department does not release its criteria for deciding when to shut off water service, but they will try to work with low income and struggling families to try to find a solution to their arrearage. Disconnection is an option of last resort.
One of the main resources available in the area is the fact that the water department will allow residents who are struggling and meet income criteria to pay a portion of their current water bill and therefore create a payment plan for the unpaid balance.
If a customer applies for one of these plans and is found to be qualified, the payment plan will require the customer to keep their account current by paying any subsequent bills on time. They need to stay current with them as well. Any unpaid late bills from prior to the date of the plan will be assessed a fee of 1.25 percent of the balance after 30 days and an additional 1.25 percent after 60 days. 312-744-4426
In addition to direct financial help from the water department, they have information on and can refer people to other organizations across Chicago and Cook County that offer help to those residents who are unable to pay their water or other utility bills.
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Another possible option is the Chicago Emergency Fund. This is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance and cash grants to low-income families and individuals that live in the city.
The demand for help is high, and has been increasing over the last few years. The emergency fund can support people of all backgrounds. In all types of assistance requests that are being made, the non-profit has encountered people who are without jobs longer, or who have lost a job and in the past many of these families and individuals would have normally found a new job really quickly. However with the economic challenges currently underway, most individuals are not finding new employment as quickly and now they need help with paying their water bills over the short term to avoid a shut off. This short term, temporary assistance will help them from becoming homeless. As indicated, the water bill assistance is all offered over only the short term until people can get back on track.
The Chicago Emergency Fund gets more requests for other types of bills as well, in addition to water bill assistance. The center urges individuals to apply for help, and explore all local resources, including charities and non-profits across Chicago. 312.379.0301
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