Sunrise Water Authority Assistance Program FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this program for?
The Sunrise Water Assistance Program is available to Sunrise Water Authority customers who are experiencing temporary financial hardship due to situations such as job loss, medical emergencies, illness, or other unexpected expenses. The goal is to help households stay connected to essential water service during difficult moments.
Annual and Monthly Income Guidelines:
70% of State Median Income by Household Size (Federal Fiscal Year 2026)
Estimated State Median by Household Size-Source HHS
Eligibility is based on the total gross household income received by all members living in the home at the time of application (families sharing a dwelling must apply as one unit). Income includes wages, unemployment compensation, TANF payments, Social Security, SSI, pensions, VA, grants and other regular payments. Income does not include food stamps, loans, subsidies, etc.
| Household Unit Size | Annual Income | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $44,782 | $3,732 |
| 2 | $58,561 | $4,880 |
| 3 | $72,341 | $6,028 |
| 4 | $86,120 | $7,177 |
| 5 | $99,899 | $8,325 |
| 6 | $113,678 | $9,473 |
| 7 | $116,262 | $9,688 |
| 8 | $118,845 | $9,904 |
| 9 | $121,429 | $10,119 |
| 10 | $124,013 | $10,334 |
| 11 | $126,596 | $10,550 |
| 12 | $129,180 | $10,765 |
| Each Additional Member | $2,635 | $219.61 |
What kind of help does the program provide?
The program offers emergency financial assistance toward overdue or at-risk water bills to help prevent shutoffs or restore service when possible. Assistance amounts may vary based on need, available funding, and program guidelines.
Who administers the assistance?
Oregon Energy Fund manages all applications, eligibility review, and payments for the program. This ensures a fair, confidential, and compassionate process focused on helping families quickly.
Do I have to pay the assistance back?
No. Assistance provided through this program is a grant, not a loan. It does not need to be repaid.
How do I apply?
You can apply online through the assistance application page. You can also download the application to print and fill out manually if you prefer. The application will ask for basic information about your household, your water account, and your current financial situation. If you have questions while applying, support is available to help guide you through the process.
What information will I need to apply?
Typically, applicants are asked to provide: Sunrise Water Authority account information, Proof of income (such as recent pay stubs or benefit statements), Statement of Hardship (see below), Basic household details
Exact requirements are listed on the application page.
How long does it take to get help?
Processing times vary based on application volume and funding availability, but the program prioritizes urgent situations whenever possible. Applicants will be contacted if additional information is needed.
Is my information kept private?
Yes. All personal and financial information is kept confidential and used only to determine eligibility and provide assistance. OEF does not share any information you provide with any third party, including Sunrise Water Authority.
How is this program funded?
The Sunrise Water Assistance Program is funded by Sunrise Water Authority and community donations. Every contribution stays local and helps support families within the Sunrise Water service area.
Can I donate even if I’m not a Sunrise customer?
Absolutely. Anyone can donate to support neighbors in need. All gifts are tax-deductible and used exclusively for water-bill assistance through this program. Click here for more information or to donate.
What if I need help but don’t think I will qualify?
Even if you are not sure you will qualify, submit your application and in the section called “Additional Notes” tell us about the extenuating circumstances that are impacting your ability to pay and we may be able to help, or point you to additional resources.
Still have questions?
Feel free to call Oregon Energy Fund directly at 971-386-2124, or email us at swa@oregonenergyfund.org. Email and phones are staffed Monday-Friday from 8am to 4pm, excluding holidays. We try to return any emails or phone messages within 1 business day, but this can vary in times of high contact volume.
Apply for Water Bill Assistance