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Laurel, Md. – July 19, 2023 – WSSC Water Commissioners today unanimously approved extending the Get Current temporary water bill amnesty program through August 31. This is the second extension of the popular financial assistance program, which helps eligible customers with a delinquent balance as of May 1, 2023, by providing bill credits and waiving 100 percent of late payment charges and turn-on fees. To date, more than 1,500 customers have signed up to take advantage of the benefits of the Get Current program – allowing WSSC Water to collect nearly $1.2 million (including pay plan commitments).
Eligible residential customers whose household income is below 150 percent of area median income* will receive the following benefits:
- Ten percent bill credit for payment in full of the delinquent amount and 100 percent of late payment charges and turn-on fees waived; and
- Five percent bill credit for 50 percent payment of the delinquent amount and successful completion of a six-month payment plan. Upon completion of the payment plan, 100 percent of late payment charges and turn-on fees are waived, and a five percent bill credit is applied.
Residential customers above 150 percent of area median income and commercial and multi-unit residential accounts with master meters are eligible for the 100 percent waiver of late payment charges and turn-on fees.
“By extending this program through August, we are providing additional relief to our income-constrained customers,” said WSSC Water Commission Chair Regina Y. Speed-Bost. “The Get Current program is part of our strong financial assistance offerings to help those most in need.”
“I thank our Commissioners for extending this essential program to help more customers get current with their water and sewer bills,” said WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell. “The success of this temporary program is allowing us to recoup funds to invest in critical infrastructure projects that protect public health and drive economic development.”
As of today, 79,613 accounts are past due, totaling $51.6 million in total revenue – the vast majority of which are residential customers.
WSSC Water resumed residential water service turnoffs on past-due accounts on July 5. Turnoffs were temporarily suspended in June to encourage program participation.
Only after extensive customer notification and all other reasonable alternatives have been exhausted, including efforts to connect every income-constrained customer with available financial assistance, will WSSC Water disconnect water service. WSSC Water offers several financial assistance programs to help customers get current with their bills. You can find information on other customer assistance programs at wsscwater.com/assistance.
To learn more about WSSC Water’s Get Current program and determine if you qualify, visit wsscwater.com/getcurrent.
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