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Austin Energy Customer Assistance Program (CAP)

Provides monthly utility bill discounts, fee waivers, and energy efficiency upgrades for income-eligible Austin residents.

Type: Benefit Amount: $25-$120 monthly electric discount plus water, wastewater, drainage, and solid waste fee reductions Deadline: Apply anytime; annual recertification Location: Texas and Austin

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

Honolulu Real Property Tax Credit

City and County of Honolulu credit that limits eligible homeowners’ property tax burden to 3% of combined gross income.

Type: Benefit Amount: Credit equals real property tax amount above 3% of combined gross income when eligibility criteria are met Deadline: Annual September 30 (received or timely postmarked per city rules) Location: Hawaii and Honolulu County

Los Angeles Utility Assistance Programs 2025 Guide: How to Cut Your LADWP Bill by 30 Percent or More

If you live in Los Angeles and your utility bill makes you wince every month, you are exactly who the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power had in mind when it built its low income and Lifeline discounts.

Amount: Up to $39 monthly electric discount, 25-30% water/sewer reduction, free efficient appliances, and debt relief options Deadline: Apply anytime; renew every 2 years or when requested Location: California and Los Angeles

NYC Fair Fares Reduced-Fare Transit Program

Provides half-price subway, bus, and Access-A-Ride fares for eligible low-income New York City residents.

Type: Benefit Amount: 50% discount on NYC Transit subway and local bus fares, 50% off paratransit trips, and reduced-cost 7-day/30-day passes Deadline: Apply anytime; annual renewal required Location: New York and New York City

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

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Community Assistance Program

Provides water, wastewater, and Hetch Hetchy Power bill discounts plus emergency grants for low-income San Francisco residents.

Type: Benefit Amount: 25% off water charges, 20% off wastewater, 30% off Hetch Hetchy Power base charges, plus emergency grants up to $500 Deadline: Apply anytime; recertify every 2 years Location: California and San Francisco

Seattle Utility Discount Program: 60% Off Electric and 50% Off Water/Sewer Bills for Low-Income Residents

Offers electric, water, sewer, and garbage bill discounts to low-income Seattle residents served by Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities. Saves households $1,200-$1,500 annually.

Amount: 60% off electric bills; 50% off water, sewer, and garbage charges; emergency credits for past-due balances Deadline: Apply anytime; recertify every 18 months Location: Seattle and Washington