Welcome to the Tiered Assistance Program (TAP)

This page is for customers currently enrolled in TAP.

If you aren’t enrolled, but want to apply for assistance, learn more about our program or begin an application.

Benefits of TAP

  • Reduced fixed monthly bill based on income.
  • Debt Forgiveness: Customers in TAP automatically receive Debt Forgiveness, which eliminates existing debt from accounts over time.
  • Free water conservation services are offered to eligible customers – plus, PWD contractors can assist in fixing leaks for homes with high usage.
  • Protections: As long as you’re enrolled in TAP, you’re protected from penalties and shutoffs.
Were you automatically enrolled?

To stay enrolled and to ensure the lowest rate possible, customers may be asked to verify their household information.

Debt Forgiveness

Customers in Tiered Assistance are automatically enrolled in Debt Forgiveness.

Each time you pay your reduced water bill, a portion of the existing debt on your account will be erased. Make 24 full payments, and all eligible debt will be cleared from your account. You can see your progress toward Debt Forgiveness in the Your TAP History box on your water bill.

Please note that Debt Forgiveness only applies to debt accrued before your enrollment in TAP.

Learn more about Debt Forgiveness →

Water conservation

TAP customers agree to accept free water conservation services (provided by CMC Energy) as part of their enrollment.

A leak, for example, can waste water, lead to longer-term damage, and increase the usage shown on your bill.

Eligible customers will be contacted based on usage. You’ll select a time for a free visit to your property, and our conservation partner will make small repairs, or replace fixtures, all free of charge.

Staying enrolled

Participation in this program is based on income or circumstance. You’ll need to recertify every four years to keep your eligibility information up-to-date.

Recertification

We’ll contact you by mail, phone, and email (if we have your email address) when your recertification is due.

To re-certify, submit the Customer Assistance Program application form and any required documentation.

Changes in circumstance

If something in your household changes – a serious illness, a job loss, or something similar – you should fill out and submit a new application as soon as possible.

Not only does it help keep your information accurate, but it could lower your bill.

Start or request an application to re-certify or re-apply

What if I can’t pay my TAP bill?

Don’t worry! You will not be removed from the TAP program if you encounter a hardship that keeps you from being able to pay your TAP bill.

  1. If you’ve fallen behind on TAP bills while you are on assistance, call (215) 685-6300 to discuss payment agreements or other ways to stay enrolled.
  2. Make a partial payment, no matter what size. Paying any part of your bill will help pay down your debt.
  3. If you’ve experienced a change of circumstances, ask for a new application. (You can request this at any time – not just if you can’t pay your bill.)

Not on TAP?

If you’d like to be considered for TAP, visit cap.phila.gov