In stressful times, a bill doesn't have to leave you in a bind!

We understand that some customers may have trouble paying for their bill from time to time. Milwaukee Water Works does not shut off water service due to non-payment, but past-due amounts will eventually be transferred to your property tax bill for collection.

If you are behind on your bill, help is available! Avoid the headaches of having your past-due obligations transferred to your property tax bill by taking advantage of affordability programs. 

We want to hear from you! Is your water affordable? Have you ever been surprised by your bill? What do you think of the solutions we offer to pay down past-due amounts? This short 12-question survey can be answered in less than 3 minutes: https://tinyurl.com/AffordableWater

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) program provides support for past due drinking water and sewer charges.

Eligibility is determined by 1) your household's income during the month prior to applying and 2) the number of people who live in your home. 
 

Size of household    One month’s income (max)
           1                                   $2,591.92
           2                                   $3,389.42
           3                                   $4,186.92
           4                                   $4,984.42
           5                                   $5,781.92
           6                                   $6,579.42
           7                                   $6,729.00
           8                                   $6,878.50

Note: If you are eligible for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program, you are also eligible for the Water Assistance Program.

Households entirely composed of persons receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), or Food Stamps, also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the previous month from the date of application are also eligible for assistance with their water bill. 

However if you have already applied for and qualified for Energy Assistance or any other program, you must re-apply for the Water Assistance Program.

To apply, visit https://wisconsinwater.help/ or call 1-833-H2O-WISC (833-426-9472)

Wisconsin Help for Homeowners

Homeowners (not renters) can receive assistance with housing-related overdue bills such as utility payments (including internet), mortgage payments, local property taxes, as well as housing counseling and legal services.
 

Eligibility:

The program will help Wisconsin homeowners who have experienced a qualified financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020, and earn a household income at or below 100 percent of the area median income or the median income of the United States, whichever is greater. (The median income of the Waukesha-West Allis-Milwaukee area is less than the median income of the U.S., so figures below reflect the median U.S. income.)

Size of household    Annual income (max)

           1                                   $96,200    

           2                                   $96,200

           3                                   $96,200

           4                                   $99,900

           5                                   $107,900

           6                                   $115,900

           7                                   $123,900

           8                                   $131,900

To apply: go to homeownerhelp.wi.gov or call 1-855-2-HOME-WI. The Social Development Commission assists with the application process. 414-906-2740 or www.cr-sdc.org

Payment Plans

If you are behind on your water bill you may be eligible for one of our payment plans. Starting a payment plan now gives you control over paying off your past due obligations, and can help you avoid the complications associated with having your debt transferred to your property tax bill.

12 month plan:

• 25% down payment + 11 monthly installments.
• New quarterly bill charges must be paid in full while on plan.
• Other terms and conditions apply.

6 month plan:

• 50% down payment + 5 equal monthly installments.
• New quarterly bill charges must be paid in full while on plan.
• Other terms and conditions apply.

4 month plan:

• 65% down payment + 3 equal monthly installments.
• New quarterly bill charges must be paid in full while on plan.
• Other terms and conditions apply.

Additional plans are available. If you are ready to take control of your past-due bills, contact us at 414-286-2830 or via email at [email protected]

Additional Support

Do you need help with other bills like heat, electric, or rent? Could you use some support with home repairs, help finding a job, or assistance finding affordable healthy food options? If so, the list of resources below may be useful to you.

Home Heating Bills 

Wisconsin Housing Energy Assistance Program (1-866-432-8947)
Assistance for gas or electric heating bills based on previous month’s income. 

Click here to apply. 

If you need help applying, call 1-866-432-8947 to schedule an appointment or click here to schedule your appointment online 

Eviction Prevention, Family Support Services

Community Advocates (414-449-4777) 
Assistance with eviction prevention and tenant-landlord issues, help paying rent, accessing the expanded Child Tax Credit, help with SSI & disability, and help with domestic violence and elder abuse. 

Call or visit communityadvocates.net for more information. 

Home Improvement

City of Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office (414-286-8566)
Assistance with energy-saving improvements to your home, including: insulation, furnaces, boilers, and even air conditioning. Find out more here. 

Revitalize Milwaukee (414-312-7531) 
Assistance with critical home repairs, emergency home repairs, accessibility modifications, and more. Call or visit www.freehomerepairs.org for more information. 

Habitat for Humanity ReStore (414-257-9078)
Secondhand appliances, furniture and building materials for sale. Franklin, Wauwatosa and Greenfield locations (Tuesday – Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)    Call or visit www.habitat.org/restores for more information.

Employment

Water Works Division

• Full-time positions: Join our team at the Water Works! Learn more about open positions and career pathways here. 
• Youth internships: Summer interships with the Water Works are available through the Earn & Learn Summer Youth Internship Program. Apply here and make sure you tell them that you want to be placed with the Water Works. Apply by March 18. 
• More about Milwaukee area jobs and careers in the water sector here. 

Employ Milwaukee (414-270-1700)
Assistance with finding a job, switching careers, and gaining new skills based on current job markets. Find out about job fairs, get help with the application process, and gain access to networking opportunities. Employ Milwaukee also assists with resume building and apprenticeship placement.

Call or visit their web site for more information.

Direct Connect MKE
DCMKE is an app that allows you to find local events, trainings and job opportunities for your career path. Text @DCMKE at 39197 or download the app here. 

Jobs with the City of Milwaukee
For current job openings, click here. 

Jobs with Milwaukee County 
For current job openings, click here. 
 

Healthy, Affordable Food Options

The Gathering (414-272-4122)
1) 1300 W. Fond Du Lac Ave. (Breakfast served Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m - 9:30 a.m., Lunch served Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
2) 1236 S. Layton Blvd (Lunch served Saturday 11:30am-12:30pm, Dinner served Monday & Wednesday 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.)
3) 8424 W. Center St. (Lunch served every second and fourth Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
4) 3421 W Lisbon (Lunch served Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
St. Vincent DePaul Crossroads Kitchen (414-649-9555)
931 W Madison St. (To-go meals provided Sunday - Friday 4:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

Hunger Task Force (414-777-0483)
Mobile Market provides a selection of groceries to communities throughout the city, Monday – Friday. Call to inquire about location 414-238-6462. Several food bank locations, call to ask about location closest to you. 

Feeding America (414-931-7400)
Several locations throughout the city with varying hours of operation. Call to find out which is closest to you. 

Riverwest Food Pantry (414-301-1478) 
924 E Clarke St (St. Casimir Church parking lot) 
Tuesdays 4:00-6:00pm and Saturdays 8:30-10:30am)