Payment Assistance Programs
Bill Payment Assistance Programs
Need assistance paying your utility bill?
If you need assistance paying your utility bill, please contact Utilities Customer Service as soon as possible. It is much easier for our staff to work out a payment plan with customers who are current on their payments, rather than trying to find ways to make arrangements when the bill is already delinquent.
The IRAP program has been in existence for over 20 years. The program pays ½ of the customer’s utility bill on a continuing basis. Over the last several years funding has been increased to help meet the demand of higher bills along with the ever-growing aging population that could use the assistance.
Eligibility requirements are:
- Income cannot exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (About $24,000 for a family of 2.)
- Customer must be over 62 years of age or disabled.
- Customers are re-certified annually
The program is administered by Community Services League (CSL) and the funds for the program are budgeted and provided by the Independence Power and Light Department.
The I-Share program has been in existence for over 20 years. The program pays the customer’s utility bill as a one-time assistance. Over the last several years funding has been increased to help meet the demand of higher bills along with the ever-growing population that could use the assistance.
Eligibility requirements are:
- Income cannot exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (About $24,000 for a family of 2.)
- Customer must be utility account owner
- Customer is eligible for I-Share assistance once a year
The program is administered by Community Services League (CSL). The funds that are donated to the I-Share program are matched by the Independence Power and Light Department.
You may be able to lower your utility bills by making improvements to your home. Community Services League offers assistance to qualified people, including senior citizens, who want to make such home improvements as adding weather stripping around doors and windows, adding insulation, etc. For information, contact Community Services League at 254-4100.
The City of Independence offers a one-dollar discount to qualified persons who receive social security or similar retirement benefits. For more information, contact Utilities Customer Service at 325-7930. To qualify:
- Your water use must be between 100 and 400 cubic feet per month during winter months, and
- You must provide proof that you receive social security or similar retirement benefits at age 62 or over.
The City of Independence may waive the late fee for customers who have social security or similar retirement benefits as their sole source of income. To find out if you qualify, contact Utilities Customer Service at 325-7930.
Bill Round-up Program
Did you know that by rounding up your utility bill each month you can make a difference in the life of your neighbors? By rounding up your bill to the nearest dollar you can make a difference right here in Independence.
How it works: Utility bills are rounded up to the next highest dollar each month. For example, if a month’s bill is $52.71, it is rounded up to $53, with 29 cents going directly into the I-Share fund. A monthly donation may be as little as a penny or as much as 99 cents. You can also contribute a flat dollar amount each month.
How the money is distributed: The money from the Bill Round-up program is added to the existing donations in the I-Share program. Customers can contact Community Services League to apply for this utility payment assistance program.
How do City of Independence residents sign-up to donate: Residents can contribute to the program on a one-time or monthly basis by asking the customer service representative to round-up their bill to the nearest dollar or flat dollar amount.
How is assistance from the Bill Round-up program applied for? Customers can contact the Community Services League to apply for utility assistance by calling 816-254-4100 or visiting their offices on 404 N. Noland Rd.
Bill Round Up Contribution Form
Mail completed forms to Customer Service at:
City of Independence Utilities
P.O. Box 410
Independence, MO 64051-0410
Or you can drop them off with Customer Service in person.
