Elgin Area Chamber Of Commerce: Elgin Announces Temporary Water Bill Assistance Program

Press release from the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce:

April 26, 2021

Elgin, IL —  The City of Elgin is partnering with the Salvation Army to offer temporary water bill assistance to qualified residents that have been negatively affected by COVID-19. The Temporary Water Bill Assistance Program will offer a one-time grant of up to $400 to eligible residents to pay toward any previous or current City bill for refuse, sewer and water. The application period opens today, April 26, and the application is available at cityofelgin.org/billassistance. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come first-served basis.

“Since the onset of the pandemic, the City of Elgin has ensured residents have access to basic needs, and staff has adjusted practices in recognition that many residents are struggling financially," said Mayor Kaptain. "The City has now allocated funding to be applied to water bills of those residents in need." 

The Salvation Army Corps of Elgin has a long history of assisting vulnerable populations in the community. The Salvation Army has partnered with the City to administer the program, reviewing and approving applications for assistance. Applications will be accepted directly by Salvation Army of Elgin. The City of Elgin will not accept applications.

Eligibility

• Be a City of Elgin resident with an active water utility account.
• Have received a water shut-off notice from the City of Elgin.
• Provide a Photo ID of the person whose name is on the water bill. 
• Demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Proof of financial need, such as loss or reduction in income (pay stubs, letter of termination/furlough, unemployment benefits, etc.). 

Applications and details on the application process can be found at cityofelgin.org/billassistance.

The City of Elgin is also offering payment plans to residents with delinquent water bills. Payments can be made over a period of up to 12 months. Details on this option, as well as other programs offered by different agencies, can also be found at cityofelgin.org/billassistance. 
  For more information, please contact Molly Gillespie at 847-931-5613 (O) or 224-762-0516 (C). Subscribe for future updates

This press release was produced by the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.