DC Water expands enrollment for multifamily customer assistance program

Residents in multifamily properties like apartments and condos can now apply for assistance

WASHINGTON, DC — DC Water today announced that residents in apartments and condos whose utilities are included in their rent or HOA fees can apply for the new customer assistance program for tenants in the District of Columbia. Until now, the program—called the Multifamily Assistance Program (MAP) —was limited to those already receiving government assistance. When DC Water launched MAP in February, the utility first enrolled tenants already income-qualified by other assistance programs.

Now, anyone whose property owner participates can apply for this income-based financial assistance. Occupants can check online at map.dcwater.com/publicsearch to search by address to see if their property is participating. Then they can complete an online application at: dcwater.com/doee-dcwcares. The District Department of Energy and Environment then reviews the applications for approval. Anyone who does not have Internet access or needs additional assistance can call DC Water at 202-354-3750 or email cares@dcwater.com.

Property owners and Homeowners Associations, whose dues cover water and sewer charges, can apply online at map.dcwater.com/ownerapp. Tenants apply online at dcwater.com/doee-dcwcares.

DC Water is the only utility in the region to provide indirect assistance by crediting a property’s utility account. The majority of the credit, 90 percent, is then passed on to the occupant as a rental or association credit. Occupants may apply for this income-based assistance at any time; however, receipt of any assistance is contingent upon property participation.

DC Water set aside $7 million earlier this year to fund this initiative, and already more than $2.2 million has been credited. This funding has supported over 5,000 households.

“Our team set out to provide assistance to a group of customers who don’t pay us directly,” said David L. Gadis, CEO and General Manager. “Their ingenuity and hard work resulted in a way to serve both the tenants and property owners during this challenging time.

“This is the second emergency assistance program we have funded this year, and it adds to a portfolio of existing assistance programs for a variety of customers. We encourage anyone experiencing financial hardship to call us and find out what help is available.”

For more information about this program, please visit: dcwater.com/map

For more information about all of DC Water’s customer assistance programs, please visit dcwater.com/cap or call 202-354-3600.