Hardship Assistance Program Helps Households Pay Water, Sewer Expenses

Our office, in partnership with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, created the Hardship Assistance Program to assist Oakland County households who need help with water and sewer bills but who may not qualify for existing water assistance programs.

What does the program cover?

The Hardship Assistance Program can help eligible Oakland County residents. The program is open to Oakland County residents who get their water from a municipal water system, not a private well.

• Pay their current water or sewer bill for up to three months.
• Eliminate past-due balances.
• Pay for plumbing repairs.

Why start a Hardship Assistance Program?

• Unpaid water and sewer bills can lead to losing services, which in turn can create housing issues, homelessness and other serious problems.
• Currently, 22% of Oakland County residents live in households that don’t qualify for assistance under federal poverty guidelines but still face hardships that make it difficult to pay their water bills and for other basic needs.
• Many of those facing temporary hardships are young families and seniors.

How does the program work?

• Financial resources of up to $2,000, or more, are available to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. This amount could change depending on the funding available and how many households need help.
• The program is primarily designed to serve Oakland County households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level. For example, that would amount to $93,600 for a family of four, $61,320 for a two-person household and $45,180 for a single individual.
• Program eligibility is flexible. Even if you’re not sure you would qualify, you are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply?

Click here to complete an application with our partner, the United Way of Southeastern Michigan.

How can I support this program?

The Hardship Assistance Program’s initial funding comes from $300,000 federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. To sustain the program beyond that, we are seeking donations from individuals, philanthropic organizations and public entities.

To donate, or for more information on how your tax-deductible contribution will help Oakland County residents in need, visit the Water Resource Commission Hardship Assistance Program page.