A new program is launching in South Bend to help low-income residents with their utility payments.

The low-income Customer Assistance Program (CAP) provides a credit for sewer service on the monthly bill of qualifying residential utility customers, who could see a reduction in their bill from $10 to $19 every month for a year.

Applicants must have a City of South Bend utility account in their name and receive sewer service to qualify.

The City is partnering with REAL Services to qualify customers utilizing the same criteria used for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides assistance for electric and heating expenses during the winter months.

Interested customers must first apply for LIHEAP through REAL Services by calling (574) 232-6501. The application deadline is May 15, 2021.

The low-income Customer Assistance Program is funded through ratepayers. Every residential sewer customer is charged an additional $1.75 per month to provide a credit for qualifying low-income residential sewer customers.