Payment Plan Assistance

Can I start a payment plan if my account is disconnected?

No, the payment plan agreement is only available for active accounts in jeopardy of water disconnection.

What is a payment plan?

A payment plan provides low-income, single-resident customers who have a signed medical certification and proof of enrollment/income in an approved program with an agreement for repayment to help avoid discontinuation of residential water service. It is an agreement between the customer and the City of Hemet Utility Department. It lets you pay off any overdue bills for your utilities over several months without facing late fees, penalties, or having your service cut off. 

Who qualifies for a payment plan?

 All the following conditions must be met:

• Customer submits certification on letter head from a primary care provider stating that discontinuation of residential service would be life-threatening or pose a serious threat to health and safety.
• If any member of the customer’s household currently receives assistance from specific programs (such as CalWORKs, CalFresh, general assistance, Medi-Cal, SSI/SSP, or WIC), they are required to submit a copy of the award letter for verification; or if the customer declares that the household’s annual income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level, they must provide a copy of last year’s tax return.
• Customer is willing to enter into an agreement for repayment of all delinquent charges. 

What are the terms of the plan? How long can a payment plan be? 

The payment plan agreement requires a percentage of the outstanding balance to be paid as a down payment at the start of the plan. The remaining balance is then paid off through monthly payments over the duration of the plan. The exact amount of the down payment and the length of the plan will vary depending on the specific details of the account, but in no instance will a payment plan exceed 12 months.  

Do I have to keep paying my regular monthly utility bill? 

Yes. All newly issued utility bills must be paid by the due date. Customers must note that after establishing a payment plan, the monthly bills will indicate a due date by which the payment plan must be paid. However, the correct due date for each monthly bill is listed on the schedule provided at the time of signup. Failure to pay these current bills will be considered a violation of the payment plan agreement. 

Is there a charge to set up a payment plan agreement? 

No additional fees apply for setting up a payment plan, but a down payment on the value of the outstanding balance is required. 

Once I enroll in a payment plan, how do I make monthly payments?

Customers can make payments as usual due by the 15th of each month. The system will first apply your payment to the current bill, with any excess amount going towards your payment plan. 

What happens if my payment is returned due to non-sufficient funds?

Water service may be subject to disconnection due to nonpayment. In the event of nonpayment, any existing payment plan agreement will be voided, and the full remaining balance of the plan will be required. Prior to the disconnection of water service, a notice will be delivered to your address at least 5 business days in advance to indicate the intent of disconnection.

How do I apply for a Payment Plan Agreement?

After gathering the necessary documents listed under the required qualifications below, complete the Utility Payment Plan Agreement form and submit it along with the supporting documents either via email to cs@hemetca.gov or in person at 445 E Florida Ave, Hemet, CA 92545 - Monday thru Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm.

• Certification on letter head from a primary care provider stating that discontinuation of residential service would be life-threatening or pose a serious threat to health and safety.
• Award Letter of receiving assistance from specific programs (such as CalWORKs, CalFresh, general assistance, Medi-Cal, SSI/SSP, or WIC), or copy of last year’s tax return if declaring that the household’s annual income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level.