Assistance Programs | City of St. Louis

Tornado Recovery Water Affordability Program

Program information is subject to eligibility review and any updates issued by the City of St. Louis.

Application Period

August 24 – October 31, 2026

Affordability Rate

50% discount on eligible water charges

Program Period

May 16, 2025 – December 31, 2028

Important

The Affordability Rate applies to water charges only. The separate Disaster Credit is for eligible properties that have remained vacant and uninhabitable since the May 16, 2025 tornado.

Enrollment is open through October 31, offering a 50% water rate reduction through December 2028 and a 50% credit on delinquent balances since May 2025.

Residents can enroll online below or apply in person by visiting the STLRecovers Outreach Center at 4401 Natural Bridge. If you have any questions about our assistance programs, contact the Water Division at (314) 771-2255.

The St. Louis Water Temporary Assistance Program also remains available, providing up to a $500 credit toward delinquent balances for households impacted by COVID-19. Applications are due by September 30.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How to Apply

Apply through STL Recovery: Visit 4101 Natural Bridge Ave. for assistance with the Tornado Water Recovery Assistance Program application.
Apply online: Apply below or through STL Recovers and follow the Tornado Water Recovery Assistance Program application instructions.
Apply by the deadline: Submit the application no later than October 31, 2026.

Temporary Assistance Program

$1 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds have been allocated to assist residents with past-due water accounts.

While you are encouraged to complete the application online, paper applications will be available at the Water Division, Kingshighway Office, and at the following St. Louis Public Libraries:

St. Louis Public Libraries

Baden
Barr
Buder
Carondelet
Carpenter
Central
Charing Cross
Divoll
Kingshighway
Machacek
Marketplace
Schlafly
Walnut Park

Assistance is being distributed based on available funding on a first- come, first-served basis. The program will no longer be available when funds run out.

Required Eligibility Documentation

Photo ID
- A photo of a valid Missouri State Photo ID or valid Drivers’s License
Proof of Primary Residence (Must match service address for St. Louis Water Division Account. At least one from the following):
- Valid State ID
- Valid Driver’s License
- Utility Bill (other than water bill)
- Copy of your most recent City, State or
- Federal tax return
- Voter registration
Demonstrate COVID-19 Hardship You and/or a family member were impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic
- Proof of COVID-19 Hardship may be a self-attestation statement
Proof of Earned and Unearned Income for all Household Adults (At least one of the following for ALL adults with income):
- (Proof must show gross pay)
- 2 consecutive check stubs that are less than 60 days old
- Letter from employer
- Pension letter
- Armed Forces Allotment
- Child Support
- Union Funds or Strike Benefits
- Government benefit statement letters
  - SSI/SSDI Award Letter
  - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  - Unemployment award
  - WIC or SNAP award letters or benefit statements
- If self-employed
  - Most recent tax return
  - Profit and loss statement
Proof of Social Security Number for all Household Members (At least one of the following):
- Social Security Card
- Award letter
- Tax return with the social security numbers for all household members
Past Due Water Utility Bill
- Most recent water utility bill at least 90 days past due

Repayment Plan & Eligibility

The St. Louis Water Utility Assistance Program also includes a financial literacy component and mandatory enrollment in a repayment plan to ensure that residents can pay off their water debt in full.

Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and consist of a one- time credit of up to $500.

Eligibility

St. Louis City Resident
Demonstrate COVID-19 Hardship You and/or a family member were impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic
Over 90 days delinquent
Must enroll in a debt repayment plan for outstanding water and refuse charges and agree to receiving financial literacy information from the Saint Louis City Treasury Division
Household income at 80% AMI (Area Median Income) or below

Repayment Plans

Let us assist you in getting back on track through one of our generous plans, tailored to meet your individual circumstances.

Affordability Rate

Launching Fall 2026, this ordinance-established rate assists those in need who may qualify.

Contact Us

To learn more, contact our Customer Service Representatives at (314) 771-2255.