Help is available for community members struggling to pay their water bill. The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's Office, in partnership with United Way for Southeastern Michigan, offers the Hardship Assistance Program to support Oakland County residents facing financial hardship. This program provides emergency relief funds to residents when they need it most. It was designed to help households who may not qualify for other programs but still need support.

If approved, emergency relief funds may be used to:

• Help pay your current water or sewer bill (up to three months)
• Reduce or eliminate past-due balances
• Cover essential plumbing repairs needed to keep service running smoothly

You may be eligible if you:

• Live in Oakland County
• Use municipal water and/or sewer services (not a private well)

What to expect:

• Eligible households can receive up to $2,000
• Funds are limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis
• $100,000 is available for Oakland County residents
• Examples of who is eligible based on monthly household income:
• $8,000 for a family of four
• $5,300 for a two-person household
• $3,900 for a single person

Not sure if you qualify? Apply anyway.

We understand that every situation is different. Eligibility is flexible, and exceptions may be made based on individual circumstances. If you’re experiencing hardship, we strongly encourage you to apply. Examples of hardship include:

• Temporary unemployment due to job loss
• Medical or health care expenses due to accident or injury
• Divorce

How to apply:

Click the link to create an account and apply in 15 minutes or less using your phone or computer: https://uwsem.smapply.org/prog/HAP/. 

Have unanswered questions or need help completing the application form? Call the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's Office at 844-211-4994. Support is available Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.