Utility Financial Assistance Programs

Utility financial assistance programs are available to help residents stay up-to-date on their gas, electric, water/sewer, and Internet bills.

City Water/Sewer:

Residents who receive an abnormally high water bill due to a leak or accidental excessive use can request a payment plan by submitting a 3-1-1 service request. Customers may submit a request for a payment arrangement once in a 12-month period. Approval is not guaranteed.

General Payment Plan:

An initial payment is required to activate the payment plan if you are in disconnection status.

Extended Payment Plan: 

An initial payment between twenty-five and fifty percent (25-50%) of the total past due amount, and the remaining balance will be paid on specific dates in equal amounts over the next  6 or 12 months. Each extended payment plan request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Proof of income is required.

Plan requirements:

• Make a down payment of 25% up to 50% of the total utility charges (including past due and current charges).

• You must remain current with future utility bills and make payments on time.  Failure to do so will result in a default of this payment agreement.  Your water service may be terminated, or your account may be referred to a collection agency if you default.

• If you are a tenant, your landlord will be notified of this plan. 

• Proof of income must be provided.

To qualify for a payment plan, a certification of any of the following programs or classifications must be provided (via email, fax, or in-person):

• Seniors (65 and older);
• Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI); or
• On active military duty, including reservists and national guard, or have been discharged from the military in the last 180 days; or
• Death of a spouse; or
• Completion of the City’s Medical Alert Program (separate application required); or
• Homeowners in foreclosure, or
• Persons receiving workers’ compensation income benefits. Program information available online at www.iwcc.il.gov.

Payment plans/Payment Arrangements:

ComEd

Income-eligible customers, veterans, deployed members of the military, and non-profit organizations may be eligible for hardship assistance grants of up to $2,000.

For details about these programs, call 888-806-CARE (2273) or visit www.comed.com.

Nicor Gas

Nicor customers facing hardship may qualify for financial assistance through the Nicor Gas Sharing Program or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). For information about the Nicor Gas Sharing Program, call 773-205-3520 or visit www.nicorgas.com. For information about LIHEAP, call 877-411-WARM (9276), or visit www.liheapillinois.com.

Customers may also request a deferred payment arrangement by calling the company at 888-642-6748.

The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program offers ideas and rebates to help customers save, including rebates on hot water heaters and furnaces, as well as free energy-saving kits. 

Comcast

Internet Essentials from Comcast provides low-cost broadband service for $9.95 a month; the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for less than $150; and multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online, and in person. Qualified families include those with at least one child eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). For more information or to apply for the program, visit or call 855-846-8376. For Spanish, visit or call 855-765-6995.