Billing Assistance Programs

Customer Assistance Program (CAP)

MSD offers a 50 percent rate reduction to qualified low-income, elderly, and disabled customers under the Customer Assistance Program (CAP).

To qualify for the Customer Assistance Program (CAP):

  • A customer’s total annual income for the previous year must be less than 200% of the most recent Health & Human Services (HHS) poverty guidelines, based on the size of household. A family of four, for example, must earn less than $62,400 to qualify.
  • Disabled citizens and seniors must earn less than 250% of the most recent HHS poverty guidelines, based on size of household. For example, a single senior must earn less than $37,650 to qualify.
  • The table below provides further details.

To qualify, a customer must also:

  • Have liquid assets and real estate valued at less than $10,000, excluding their residence and automobiles. Homeowners who are older than 62 or disabled individuals are not subject to the liquid asset guideline.
  • Own and/or reside as a tenant in the property that receives the rate reduction.
  • Own or live in a single-family residence or multi-unit property up to six units.

To Apply

  • Complete an application form and submit it to MSD along with:
    • Proof of all income sources for all persons living in your home. If you are self-employed, you will need to provide a copy of your most recent federal tax return.
    • Proof of the amount(s) of any liquid assets or real estate, excluding your house of residence and automobile(s).
    • Medical certification (if disabled), completed by a physician. The certification must include the physician’s name, address, telephone number, and ID/control number.
    • Proof of age by submitting a copy of a valid government-issued identification (driver’s license, state, or military ID).
    • Acceptance letter from other Energy Assistance Program such as LIHEAP.
    • Copy of rental/lease agreement that states your responsibility for MSD sewer charges (for tenants only).
    • Property owner’s notarized statement of tenant residence at the property (for tenants only).
  • Once an application is approved, rate reductions begin on the first full month following approval. The rate reduction remains in effect for a period of two (2) years from the date of approval. A renewal application will automatically be sent 60 days prior to expiration date to all applicable customers.
  • All applicants with a prior past due balance will need to make payment arrangements with MSD to qualify for the Customer Assistance program.

For more information, please call (866) 281-5737.

The 2024 Poverty Guidelines

Persons in Family Annual Income Annual Income @ 200% Age 62 and Older / Disabled

Annual Income @ 250%

1 $15,060 $30,120 $37,650
2 $20,440 $40,880 $51,100
3 $25,820 $51,640 $64,550
4 $31,200 $62,400 $78,000
5 $36,580 $73,160 $91,450
6 $41,960 $83,920 $104,900
7 $47,340 $94,680 $118,350
8 $52,720 $105,440 $131,800
For each additional person, add $5,380 $10,760 $13,450