City of Bend Low-Income Assistance Program
NeighborImpact administers the City of Bend Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP) for eligible residential customers with City of Bend utilities.
On qualifying City of Bend utility base fees.
Maximum household income for program eligibility.
Enrollment period before annual requalification.
The program provides a recurring 50% reduction to the base fee charge published in the City of Bend Fee Schedule for each qualifying residential water service for water, sewer and stormwater.
Do I qualify?
The LIAP is available to income-eligible residential accountholders with household income at or below 60% of State Median Income (SMI).
Customers must requalify for the discount annually.
Income Guidelines
Use your household size to find the maximum monthly gross income for the program.
2026-2027 Energy/Utility Assistance Income Eligibility Guidelines
60% of State Median Income by household size
| Household Unit Size | Monthly Gross Income* | Annual Gross Income* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,360.50 | $40,326 |
| 2 | $4,394.50 | $52,734 |
| 3 | $5,428.50 | $65,142 |
| 4 | $6,462.50 | $77,550 |
| 5 | $7,496.50 | $89,958 |
| 6 | $8,530.50 | $102,366 |
| 7 | $8,724.42 | $104,693 |
| 8 | $8,918.25 | $107,019 |
| Each Additional Member | $193.92 | $2,327 |
*Gross income means all household income before any deductions.
Receiving SNAP or TANF?
Households receiving Oregon Department of Human Services Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are automatically deemed to meet the income guidelines.
Enrollment is not automatic. Customers must still complete the established application or renewal process to enroll in the program.
How to Apply
1. Complete the application
Complete the LIAP application available below.
2. Gather your supporting documents
Return the application with the supporting documents listed in the instructions.
3. Include your City of Bend bill
Please include a copy of your City of Bend utility bill with your application.
City of Bend LIAP Terms & Conditions
Account Type
Only single-family residential accounts are eligible.
Account Ownership
The account owner must be listed as a household member on the application and reside at the dwelling identified on the City of Bend utility account.
Accounts may be in the name of the individual(s) or a family trust where the settlors or testators are residents of the dwelling.
Income Guidelines
Household income must be at or below 60% of State Median Income (SMI) by household size. See the income chart above.
Effective Date
Discounts will be applied to the account at the earliest day possible, but no later than the first day of the month following approval. Discounts are not prorated and are not retroactive.
Duration & Renewal
Upon qualification, accounts will be enrolled for a 12-month period. Customers are required to requalify annually for the program.
Qualifying Charges
Discounts may be applied to water, stormwater and sewer utility base charges. Discounts may not be applied to franchise fees, consumption charges, late charges or fees for violations such as meter tampering, obstruction or bypass.
Water Service Shutoff and Collections May Still Apply
Past-due accounts will be subject to water service shutoff and collection activities as defined by Bend City Code 14.10.070.
Temporary Hold on Collections
Customers who believe they are eligible for the Low-Income Assistance Program but have not applied can contact City of Bend Utility Billing to receive a temporary hold on collection actions to allow time to complete the application process.
Customers may receive one temporary hold in a 24-month period. The maximum duration of the hold is 10 business days.
If the City does not receive notification of approval within the stated time period, the account will be processed immediately for collections and water service shutoff.