Find the Right Program for You
Choose the option that best fits your situation.
My monthly water bill is too high
I'm keeping up, but it's a struggle.
→ Water Rate Assistance Program
Watch and Learn: How These Programs Work
Lower my monthly bill (WRAP)
The Water Rate Assistance Program
WRAP helps income-eligible DeKalb County households by providing a monthly credit on your water bill so your water costs stay affordable.
- Monthly credit keeps your water bill at or below 4.5% of your household income
Pay off what I owe
The Debt Amnesty Program
The Debt Amnesty Program helps income-eligible households with past due balances. For every $1 you pay, DeKalb County pays $1 toward your eligible past due balance.
- You'll sign a payment agreement and receive help becoming current.
How the programs compare
Two programs. Same application. Same requirements.
| Lower my monthly bill (WRAP) | Pay off what I owe (Debt Amnesty Program) | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | A credit on your bill every month | For every $1 you pay, the County pays $1 |
| Who it's for | Income eligible households | Income eligible households with a past due balance |
| Income limits | Same for both | Same for both |
| Documents needed | Same for both | Same for both |
| Application | Same one form | Same one form |
| Extra step | None | Sign a payment agreement (IPA) |
To qualify for the Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP) and/or Debt Amnesty, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) established income guidelines at 60% of Median Family Income (MFI) will be used as outlined below.
For the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA HUD Metro FMR Area, in 2025, the 60% Median Family Income (MFI) limits for a family of four are $68,520, according to HUD User (.gov). These limits vary based on family size. Here’s a breakdown of the 60% AMI limits for different family sizes in the Atlanta metro area:
HUD Income Limits Guidelines
- 1 Person: $48,000
- 2 Persons: $54,840
- 3 Persons: $61,680
- 4 Persons: $68,520
- 5 Persons: $74,040
- 6 Persons: $79,500
- 7 Persons: $85,020
- 8 Persons: $90,480
Apply online or by mail with one application.
One application covers both programs. The form will ask whether you owe a past due balance so the correct program can review your application.
Application Requirements
Your path to water assistance begins with these documents
Account Holder & Household Information
- Names, birth dates, and monthly income amounts for all household members
- Household size verification
- Federal tax return listing dependents
- Lease agreement showing all occupants
- School records for children residing in the home
- Birth certificates for children in the household
- Court documents related to custody or guardianship
- Government-issued IDs showing the same residential address
- Utility bills displaying the service address
- Landlord verification form confirming household occupants
- Mail addressed to the individual at the residence
- Medical records showing the residential address
- Other official documents demonstrating residency
Household Income Documentation
For EACH source of income in your household, you will need ONE of the following, dated in the last 12 months:
- Prior year’s federal income tax return or W-2
- Pay stubs
- Benefit award letters or statements (such as unemployment compensation, worker’s compensation, Social Security, pension, or welfare benefits)
- Income support form (if someone outside your household provides financial support)
If your household has no income, we will ask about how you pay for living expenses.
- Income verification
- Wages, salaries, tips, and bonuses: All compensation for personal
services, before deductions. - Net income from self-employment: Income from businesses or professions after deducting business expenses.
- Interest, dividends, and rental income: Income from investments and property.
- Retirement, pension, and survivor/disability income: Regular income from retirement accounts or disability benefits.
- Public Assistance: Welfare payments from state or local agencies.
- Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Payments from these programs.
- Alimony and child support: Payments received as support.
- Veterans’ payments: Payments like those from the VA, excluding service-connected disability benefits for some programs, like HUD-VASH, according to HUD-VASH Operating Requirements FAQs for PHAs and VAMCs.
- If no income is received:
- Signed and dated zero-income affidavit with penalty of perjury attestation
- Separation letter
- Letter showing end of Unemployment benefits
- Documentation showing how living expenses are being met, if requested
- SNAP letter
- Medicaid eligibility letter
- Statement of financial support
- Bank statements (when appropriate)
Proof of Residency
- Current government-issued ID (like driver’s license or ID card) with current address.
- DeKalb County Sewer and Water Bill *must be in your name
How Can We Help?
Find answers about WRAP eligibility, applying for assistance, your water bill, and what happens after you apply.
About WRAP
What is the WRAP Program?
The DeKalb County Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP) helps eligible low-income DeKalb County households keep their water and sewer bills affordable as water and sewer rates increase 10% over the next 8 years. For eligible households, WRAP is designed to keep water and sewer costs at an affordable level based on household income.
Do I qualify for the WRAP Program?
WRAP eligibility is based primarily on two factors: your household income and size, and your household’s water consumption. Water usage is reviewed based on an average of 3000 gallons per person in the household.
What are the income requirements?
WRAP is an income-based program. Applicants must meet the program’s current household income guidelines based on their household size.
Does WRAP help with past-due water bills?
How much assistance will I receive?
There is not one set dollar amount for every customer. WRAP considers household income, family size, water usage, and water and sewer costs when determining eligibility and the appropriate discounted rate.
Can I receive WRAP every year?
WRAP is a yearly program. Eligible customers must recertify each year to continue receiving assistance.
Applying for Assistance
How do I apply?
You can apply online at www.dekalbwaterassist.org. Complete the application and upload all required documents. Applications may also be mailed to 4572 Memorial Dr., Decatur, GA 30032
What documents do I need to apply?
- A valid photo ID
- Your DeKalb County water bill
- Verification of household size
- Proof of income for household members age 18 and older
Can I apply online?
Yes. Applications can be completed online at www.dekalbwaterassist.org.
Can an application be mailed to me?
Yes. Please contact our office at dekalbwaterassist@ulgatl.org or 404-371-6261 to request that an application be mailed to you.
Can I upload documents later if I don't have everything?
It is best to submit all required documents with your application, but yes, missing documentation may be submitted at a later date via email, though missing documentation may delay the review of your application.
What if I forgot to upload a document?
If documentation is missing, additional information may be requested before your application can be completed. Please provide requested documents as soon as possible to avoid additional delays, to dekalbwaterassist@ulgatl.org.
Can someone else apply on my behalf?
Someone may be able to assist you with completing the application, but the applicant or account holder must provide the required information, documentation, and any necessary authorization.
Eligibility & Household Questions
Am I eligible if I'm a renter?
A renter may be eligible if they meet WRAP requirements and have an eligible DeKalb County residential water and sewer account. If your water bill is included in your rent or paid through a third party provider, you will not be able to apply.
Do I have to live in DeKalb County?
Yes. WRAP is for eligible customers with a DeKalb County residential water and sewer account.
Does the water bill have to be in my name?
Yes. The DeKalb County water and sewer account must be in the applicant’s name to be eligible for the WRAP program.
What if the water bill is not in my name?
The DeKalb County water and sewer account must be in your name to apply for the WRAP program. If the water bill is not in your name, you are not eligible to apply until the account has been placed in your name.
Can I apply if I'm on disability or Social Security?
Yes. Receiving Social Security or disability income does not automatically prevent you from applying. This income must be reported and documented as part of the household income eligibility review.
What if someone in my household is unemployed?
You may still apply. WRAP considers the household’s overall income and circumstances. You may be asked to provide documentation regarding household members who currently have no income.
What should I do if my income changes after I apply?
Notify the WRAP office if your household income changes while your application is being reviewed so your eligibility can be evaluated using accurate information.
After You Apply
How long does it take to receive a decision?
Please allow approximately 30 to 90 days for your application to be reviewed and a decision to be made. Incomplete applications or missing documents may delay processing.
How can I check the status of my application?
You may contact the DeKalb County Office of Water and Sewer Customer Advocacy at dekalbwaterassist@ulgatl.org or 404-371-6261 for assistance with your application status.
What happens if I'm denied?
If you are not approved, you will be notified of the decision by email, mail, or phone. WRAP benefits and any application related shut off protection will end, and you may be provided with other community resources that could assist you. You are able to reapply after 12 months.
Can I reapply if I'm denied?
Yes. You may reapply after 12 months from the date you applied.
How long do I have to wait before reapplying?
Customers who are denied may reapply 12 months from their original application date.
Will my water be protected from shut off while my application is under review?
Customers being evaluated for WRAP may receive protection from disconnection while their application is under review. The review process may take up to 90 days. This protection does not eliminate the balance owed, so customers should continue working toward payment arrangements or other assistance when needed.
Does my WRAP credit follow me if I move?
No. Your WRAP credit does not follow you to your new address. If you move, you will need to reapply for the WRAP program approximately 6 to 12 months after moving to your new address.
Water Bills, Shut Offs & Other Help
What is an Installment Payment Agreement (IPA)?
An Installment Payment Agreement, or IPA, is a payment arrangement with DeKalb County that allows a customer to make scheduled payments toward an outstanding water and sewer balance.
What if I have a water leak?
WRAP does not investigate leaks or make plumbing repairs. Contact DeKalb County Watershed Management regarding billing issues related to a leak. Eligible homeowners may also want to ask about available plumbing repair assistance programs at 404-401-4514 or https://dekalbcountyga.gov/departments/community-development/programs.
What if my water has already been disconnected?
Submitting a WRAP application does not automatically restore water service that has already been disconnected. Customers with disconnected service or past due balances should contact DeKalb County Water regarding restoration requirements and payment arrangements. You may also apply to determine whether you qualify for WRAP and/or the Debt Amnesty Program after service is restored.
Do you have other resources that can help with rent, utilities, or past due balances?
Yes. Additional community resources are available for customers who need assistance beyond WRAP. Resources include the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, United Way 211, DeKalb community resource directories, housing resources, and other local assistance programs. Please contact our office for more details.
Where is your office located?
The DeKalb County Office of Water and Sewer Customer Advocacy is located at 4572 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032.
If you have a dispute about your bill please submit the DeKalb Water Billing Dispute Request Form to the DeKalb County Customer Assurance Unit
DeKalb County Customer Assurance Unit at (404) 378-4475 or
via email at customerassurance@dekalbcountyga.gov
4572 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032
IN-PERSON OFFICE LOCATION TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Intake Hours Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm