Utility Payment Assistance Program (UPAP)

The Utility Payment Assistance Program (UPAP) is available to any income-eligible City of Wilmington resident or customer who is at least 18 years old and has a delinquent water utility account for over 90 days. Qualified residents or customers can request up to $1,500 to pay their delinquent water and sewer bills. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

City Code for Utility Payment Assistance Program

Eligibility

To be eligible for the assistance program, you must meet the following qualifications:

  • Be at least 18 years of age at the date of application;
  • Provide proof of age, such as a driver's license or official State ID with picture;
  • Be a City of Wilmington resident and or water/sewer customer;
  • Have a water utility account that is 3 or more months past due;
  • Be the owner of the property, which must also be your principle residence;
  • Be the rental tenant responsible for the water utility bill;
  • Provide proof of income at or below the 200% Federal Poverty Guidelines for the most recent 30 days. If additional household members exist, proof of income must also be provided;
  • Request one credit per property, even if there are joint owners;
  • Agree to pay in full or be placed on a monthly payment plan if an outstanding balance remains after grant funding is awarded 

Apply Online, by Mail, or in Person

The UPAP application can be downloaded and submitted one of three ways:

  1. Online: Via our online form
  2. Mail: Downloaded applications can be mailed to:
    Department of Finance
    Account Services Division
    800 N French Street, 1st Floor
    Wilmington, DE 19801
  3. In Person: Applications can be completed and submitted in person at the Louis L. Redding City/County Building located at:
    800 N French Street
    Wilmington, DE 19801

To avoid delays in processing your application, please submit the application and all supporting documentation together in an envelope or folder labeled with your name and utility account number. The building is open for in-person drop-offs Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am and 3:45 pm.