Signing up usually takes about an hour.
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Our financial assistance program provides bill discounts and other forms of assistance to income-qualified single-family residential customers. Apply at the link below.
Proof of income is required. To continue receiving assistance, you must reapply every two years.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact our customer service team at PWBCustomerService@portlandoreg… or 503-823-7770.
How to apply
There are a few ways to apply for our financial assistance program:
- Complete our online application
- Print and complete the application form and mail it to Portland Water Bureau, 664 N Tillamook Street, Portland, OR 97227
- Make an appointment with one of eight Community Service Centers we partner with. These organizations can help you apply for our financial assistance program and access other social services:
What you will need to apply:
- Your service address, which is the location where we provide you water. You must live at the service address to receive financial assistance.
- Names of all household members and birthdates for anyone 60 and over.
- Total gross monthly income by source for all household members over 18.
- Accepted proof of income for all income listed in your application.
Income eligibility guidelines
Eligibility for financial assistance is determined by the combined gross monthly income for everyone in the household over 18. Households earning up to 60 percent of the state median family income (MFI) are eligible for assistance. Households earning up to 30 percent of the MFI are eligible for increased assistance.
Gross income means the amount of money before taxes or other deductions.
Your household includes everyone over 18 who lives with you, including family members and roommates.
Income includes all money made from wages, tips, social security, alimony, child support, unemployment benefits, public assistance, pensions, interest and dividends, rental income, self-employment income, veterans’ benefits, and other sources of income. Food stamps DO NOT count as income.
| Household Size | Upper monthly income limit (Tier 1) | Monthly income limit for increased assistance (Tier 2) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $4,344 | $2,172 |
| 2 people | $4,964 | $2,482 |
| 3 people | $5,585 | $2,792 |
| 4 people | $6,205 | $3,103 |
| 5 people | $6,826 | $3,414 |
| 6 people | $7,446 | $3,725 |
| 7 people | $8,067 | $4,036 |
| 8 people | $8,687 | $4,347 |
| Each additional household member | Add $620 | Add $311 |
Income limits valid until July 2026.
Accepted proof of income
You must submit supporting documents for all income listed in your application. Supporting documents must show your income for at least 30 days before the date you apply. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.
Do you receive financial assistance for another utility bill? If you've already qualified for assistance from another electric, gas, or water utility, we may be able to use it to approve your application. When you apply, send us your assistance approval letter from the utility as your proof of income. In some cases, we may need additional information before we can approve your application.
| Type of income | Supporting document |
|---|---|
| Wages (including base and overtime rates, tips, bonuses, and incentive payments) |
|
| Self-employment income |
Note: Tax forms will not be accepted |
| Social Security benefits (including retirement and disability benefits) |
Note: Bank statements or tax forms will not be accepted |
| Pensions, annuities, dividends, or interest |
|
| Alimony or child support |
|
| Public assistance |
|
| Unemployment or veterans benefits |
|
| Rental property |
|
| Adoption assistance |
|
| Workers' compensation |
|
| Monthly payments from sale of property, house, or car |
|
| Another type of income not listed here | Contact us at PWBCustomerService@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-7770 to ask what documentation you should provide |
Crisis assistance
We offer crisis vouchers (credits) of up to $500 to eligible customers.
To qualify for crisis assistance:
- You must have had a personal crisis that affected your ability to pay your bill. Examples include loss of job or income, medical emergency, domestic violence, or natural disaster. Please reach out if you aren't sure if your situation qualifies.
- You must be enrolled in our main financial assistance program. Follow the steps above to apply before you request crisis assistance.
- You must not have received crisis assistance from us within the past 12 months.
- You must pay part of your bill. Contact customer service to learn how much you need to pay.
To request crisis assistance, contact customer service at PWBCustomerService@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-7770.
If your request is approved, you will receive a voucher. The voucher will give you a credit of up to $500. The exact amount of your voucher will be based on your account balance.
Other ways to lower your bill
In addition to our financial assistance program, we offer other programs that can help you lower your bill or keep on track with payments. These are available to all customers, regardless of income or account type.
- Request a payment arrangement to extend your due date, break your bill into multiple payments, or help you get caught up on your bills.
- Sign up for monthly statements. Most residential customers receive bills quarterly (once every three months). If you choose to receive monthly statements, you will pay the same amount, but we will split the total across three payments.
- Apply for the Clean River Rewards program. Clean River Rewards provides up to a 35 percent discount on stormwater bills for customers who manage stormwater on their property.
Ways to save water
You can also save money on your bill by lowering your water use.
Contact our water efficiency team at conserve@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-4527 with questions or for help reducing your water use.
- Find and fix leaks. Water leaks can use up lots of water. Learn how to check for leaks. You may be able to fix some toilet and faucet leaks yourself.
- Apply for a leak adjustment (or credit) on your bill after you fix your leak so you don’t have to pay for the increased water use from the leak.
- Apply for our home water leak repair program if you need help repairing your leak. You must be enrolled in our financial assistance program and own your own home to qualify for leak repair assistance. Funds are limited—visit the program page for up-to-date information on funding status and current wait times.
- View a list of other local organizations that may be able to help you get leaks repaired. Basic program overviews and eligibility requirements are listed, but for the most up-to-date information or to apply for services, contact the organizations directly.
- View tips for troubleshooting high home water use and for saving water in your home, outdoors, or at your business.
- Order free water efficiency devices that can help you save water.
- We offer rebates for certain outdoor irrigation equipment.
Garbage bill financial assistance program
If you receive financial assistance for your sewer, stormwater, and water bill, you may also be eligible for the City of Portland's garbage bill discount.
To receive the garbage bill discount, you must:
- Own and live in a single-family home
- Be enrolled in our financial assistance program and receive Tier 2 rate relief—check the income guidelines table to find out if you qualify
- Be the account holder for both the garbage bill and the sewer, stormwater, and water bill
Learn more about the program and how to apply on the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability's garbage bill financial assistance program page.