Debt Relief

Chicago Utility Billing Relief (UBR) Program

Provides debt forgiveness and ongoing water, sewer, and garbage bill discounts for eligible Chicago households.

Type: Benefit Amount: Forgives 100% of past-due water/sewer/garbage debt after 12 on-time payments; current bills reduced by up to 50% Deadline: Apply anytime; re-evaluation annually 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