Apply for Utility Rate Relief Program

Utility rate relief program

Salem offers a utility rate relief program (monthly discount) for qualifying elderly or disabled customers. This program is limited to single-family residential City of Salem utility bills.  One discount may be approved per household.

Once approved for the program, the discount will begin on the next month.  Eligibility for the program expires each year on September 30 and customers must reapply annually to continue receiving the monthly discount.  However, due to the COVID pandemic, the City is suspending requalification for the 2020-2021 year. 

Program qualifications

The following qualifications must be met in order to apply:

• Elderly or disabled. You or a member living in your household must be elderly (60 years of age and older) or disabled.

• Address

• You must live at the address for which assistance is being requested.

• The address must be a single-family residence and have an active City of Salem utility account with wastewater services.

• No members living in the household may receive housing assistance payments from a local housing authority.

• The City of Salem utility account must be active in your name or the name of a member of your household living at the address.

• Income. Your total combined gross household income must be equal to or less than 60 percent of the Salem area median income, based on family size. Household income is defined as the total gross income for all people living with you in your residence for the last calendar year. Some examples of household income include: pensions, annuities, wages, salaries, tips, Social Security benefits, interest, dividends, investments, and public or governmental assistance.

Application process

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) screens and qualifies applicants for the utility rate relief program.

Step 1

Contact MWVCAA at 971-304-2100 to schedule an appointment.

Step 2

Compile required documents.  The following documents are required for applying to the program.

• Proof of age
• Birthdates for all household members.
• Valid identification for all household members age 18 and older.
• Proof of income
• Proof of gross income for all household members.
• Household members age 18 and older with zero income will need to complete a declaration of zero income stating how needs are met.
• Proof of utility accounts
• Current City of Salem Utility Bill
• Current heating utility bill

Program Year 2020 and 2021.
Gross income means all household income before any deductions.