Debt Relief

Chicago Utility Billing Relief (UBR) Program

City of Chicago water/sewer affordability program with reduced ongoing charges and debt forgiveness after successful 12-month participation.

Type: Benefit Amount: 50% reduction on water, sewer, and water-sewer tax charges; prior unpaid balance forgiven after successful 12-month completion Deadline: Apply anytime; enrollment period is 12 months and reapplication is required to continue Location: Illinois and Chicago

Philadelphia Water Tiered Assistance Program (TAP)

Income-based water, sewer, and stormwater bill discounts for Philadelphia Water Department customers.

Type: Benefit Amount: Bills capped at 2-4% of household income; debt forgiveness after 24 months of on-time payments Deadline: Apply anytime; annual recertification required Location: Pennsylvania and Philadelphia

Portland Water Bureau Financial Assistance Program

Reduces water, sewer, and stormwater bills for income-eligible Portland households and provides crisis grants.

Type: Benefit Amount: 25-40% monthly bill discount plus crisis grants up to $500 and plumbing repair vouchers Deadline: Apply anytime; recertify annually Location: Oregon and Portland

SAVE Plan Income-Driven Repayment

Income-driven repayment plan for federal student loans that lowers monthly payments and offers faster forgiveness for low balances.

Type: Benefit Amount: Monthly payments set at 5%–10% of discretionary income with forgiveness after 10–25 years Deadline: Ongoing Location: United States