Farmington and Farmington Hills residents struggling with water and sewer bills can apply for up to $2,000 in emergency relief through an Oakland County program funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars.
Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash's office is distributing the funds through the Hardship Assistance Program, run in partnership with United Way for Southeastern Michigan. The program has been accepting applications since fall 2024, and the county renewed its push for eligible residents on X on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
The total pool is $100,000 countywide, awarded first-come, first-served until the money runs out. The county has not disclosed how much of that amount remains available.
Both the City of Farmington and the City of Farmington Hills posted notices confirming their residents are eligible.
The money can cover up to three months of current water or sewer charges, pay down past-due balances, or fund essential plumbing repairs needed to keep service running.
Who qualifies
Applicants must live in Oakland County and use municipal water or sewer service, not a private well. Monthly income caps apply:
- 1 person: $3,912.50
- 2 people: $5,287.50
- 3 people: $6,662.50
- 4 people: $8,037.50
- 5 people: $9,412.50
- Each additional member adds $1,375
The program targets households that may not qualify for other assistance, according to the county. Qualifying hardships include job loss, medical expenses and divorce. The county says exceptions may be made based on individual circumstances.
Why it matters
The relief comes as Farmington Hills water and sewer rates have climbed steadily. According to a Farmington Hills City Council packet from June 1, the water rate per CCF rose from $4.36 in fiscal year 2021-22 to $5.64 in 2025-26, a 29% increase. Sewer rates jumped 39% over the same span, from $4.43 to $6.16 per CCF.
Nash, who has served as water resources commissioner for more than 12 years, presented the program to the Farmington Hills Coalition of Homeowner Associations on March 18, 2025, describing it as help for residents dealing with plumbing repairs, unpaid bills and water-bill debt.
How to apply
Applications take about 15 minutes online at uwsem.smapply.org/prog/HAP. Residents who need help can call 844-211-4994 and press 3, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Program information is available in English and Spanish on the Oakland County website.
No application deadline has been announced. The county's only stated cutoff: when the $100,000 is gone.
