KC Water is offering ‘amnesty month’ to assist households at risk of water shutoffs
KC Water is launching an amnesty program to help customers get caught up on their past-due water bills. The program is open and will last through the end of May. It will apply to customers with $350 or more of debt to the water department.
“The amnesty program will help customers to settle their debts at a reduced cost, while providing (KC Water) with the necessary funds to operate the city’s vital water supply and treatment system,” city spokesperson Heather Frierson told The Star.
Here’s what to know about the amnesty program and how to apply.
Is KC Water forgiving past water bills?
No. KC Water is not reducing the amount of money customers owe for water services. However, the department is connecting customers with water assistance programs, and waiving some penalties and late fees for those with water bill debt above $350. Here’s what’s on the table:
100 for 100: KC Water will waive 100% of a customer’s penalties and fees if they pay 100% of the account balance.
50 for 75: KC Water will waive 75% of a customer’s penalties and fees if they pay 50% of the account balance, with the remainder being placed on a payment plan.
25 for 50: KC Water will waive 50% of a customer’s penalties and fees if they pay 25% of the account balance, with the remainder being placed on a payment plan.
To participate in one of these agreements, the department is advising customers to leave a voicemail with their information, including their name, current address and their contact number, at the amnesty month line: 816-513-0125.
How can I get help paying for my water bills?
Many assistance programs are available year-round to customers who cannot afford their water bills.
Most programs get funding from two main sources: the federal Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) and Kansas City’s own water bill assistance fund.
Both funds offer one-time payments to low-income households to pay off outstanding water bill debt.
LIHWAP is a federal program administered through the Missouri State Department of Social Services. It offers one-time water bill assistance to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have less than $3,000 in savings and who meet the program’s income requirements.
LIHWAP applicants can get up to $750 to help pay their water bills. You can apply for the program online in English here or in Spanish here. If you need documents mailed to you, call 855-373-4636.
The city’s water bill assistance fund is distributed through upwards of 30 different agencies in the Kansas City area, according to John Rich, executive director of the Mid-America Assistance Coalition (MAAC).
You can apply for water bill assistance of up to $500 once a year from this fund through the agency of your choice — although Rich says the program is funded “far less than the need,” with a budget of only around $800,000 this year.
Find a list of these assistance programs here. The application requirements will vary based on which agency you choose.
MAAC administers water bill relief money for residents of Kansas City, Missouri. Rather than issuing this money to customers or the agencies they apply through, the MAAC moves funds from the city’s assistance fund directly to KC Water on customers’ behalf.
“There were literally hundreds of people down there,” Rich said of Monday’s kickoff event for the amnesty period at KC Water’s offices. “By far the longest lines were at the LIHWAP and (city fund) tables… it definitely brought to focus the need for water assistance.”
Do you have more questions about utility assistance in Kansas City? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published April 25, 2023 at 7:30 AM.
.jpg)