Income Assistance Programs
Are you currently experiencing financial hardship that may cause delay in paying your bill? Below are some resources that can help. The agencies and programs below are not intended to encompass all assistance available to Santa Cruz County residents, but may provide our customers a convenient resource to begin searching for the program that best suits their circumstances.
SLVWD RATE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The District provides an opportunity for a limited number of low-income customers to apply for financial assistance on their water bills. This is an updated policy effective September 2, 2021. It is set at 138 customers eligible to receive a $20 per month discount on their monthly bill (up to $180 annually). To apply or find out more click here. The budget for the program will be set each year and is currently set at not to exceed $25,000.
SLVWD PAYMENT PLANS
Any customer who is unable to pay for water service within the normal payment period may request an alternative payment arrangement to avoid late fees or disruption of service. The District will consider all circumstances surrounding the request and make a determination as to whether the payment arrangement is warranted. Customer Service can be reached at 831-338-2153 from 9:00am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-4:00pm, Monday through Friday.
211
This organization is a 24-hour referral service for people needing assistance with paying utility bills, food, health services, domestic violence assistance, shelter and many other needs. When you call, you get an actual human on the phone who will do a database search to help you find solutions. 211 researchers can help find potential funding to offset costs. It’s fast, free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dial 211 or visit www.211.org.
COMMUNITY ACTION BOARD OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, INC.
CAB operates programs assisting low-income people with emergency and sustaining/self-sufficiency. To learn more visit their website at https://cabinc.org/.
PG&E CARE PROGRAM
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) provides a discount on monthly PG&E bills to qualifying low income customers. Contact PG&E at 866-743-2273 or their website at www.pge.com/care/ for more information.
WHY CAN’T YOU FORGIVE MY BILL?
Prop. 218, voted into law by California voters in 1996, prohibits government agencies from allowing some customers to subsidize other customers. Doing so would be illegal for SLVWD since we are a not for profit government agency. The reason some electric companies, phone companies and other utilities can offer discounts and bill forgiveness is because they are for-profit agencies.