What Installment Plans do the Utility offer?

The Utility offers a number of payment arrangements to help customers avoid disconnection of service:

1. Payment Extensions (please see Payment Extension Article)
2. Installment Plan
   • The Utility will enter into a deferred payment arrangement (Installment Plan) if the customer:
     • Pays a reasonable portion of their total balance down (the Utility's standard installment plan requires 25% down).
     • Has paid unpaid deposits. 
     • Agrees to pay the remainder of the past-due balance within three (3) months in addition to new bills that become due.
   • Installment plans must be either completed on the portal (utilities.southbendin.gov) or in person at the customer service office by 4:00 p.m. on the payment deadline date printed on the red disconnect notice and/or provided through the delinquency phone calls.
   • No installment plans will be entered into after an account has been processed for disconnection.  Additionally, failed Installment plans will make the account holder ineligible to obtain an additional Installment Plan for 6 months.

311 Process Notes

Before the shut off process begins December 1, 2022, encourage customers to instead get help with paying their utility bill in these other ways:

• UAP - Sign up for the Utility Assistance Program at https://southbendin.gov/uap
• LIHEAP/LIWHAP - Sign up for the LIHEAP/LIWHAP by calling REAL Services at (574) 232-6501 or apply online at realservices.org/energy-assistance. The application deadline is May 16, 2023.
• Community support – Find local community organizations that also provide utility support at https://southbendin.gov/supporting-south-bend/#programs

Utilities will start the water shut off process again on December 1, 2022. Utilities will conduct the first shut offs at the end of December. Customers will be able to set up a payment plan online at utilities.southbendin.gov, in-person at the Utilities office at 125 W. Colfax Ave. or call 311.

Customers can sign up for a payment plan if they have received a disconnection notice and are unable to make payment prior to the specified shut off date.