Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District

Qualifying For Assistance

MSD offers a low income assistance program for qualified low-income, elderly, and disabled customers. Qualified customers will receive a rate reduction equal to 50 percent of the current charges on their monthly sewer bill.

In order to qualify for the low income assistance program, the customer's total annual income for the previous year must be less than 150% of the most recent Health & Human Services (HHS) poverty guidelines by size of household and less than 175% for disabled individuals and seniors at least age 62.

Additional qualifications include:

  • Liquid assets and real estate are less than $3,000, excluding house of residence. Homeowners who are seniors older than 62 or disabled individuals are not subject to the liquid asset guideline.
  • Must own and/or reside as a tenant in the property for which you are applying to receive rate reduction.
  • Property must be a single family residence or multi-unit properties up to six units

    To apply, qualified customers must complete an application form and submit the form to MSD along with:

    • Proof of all income sources for all persons living in your home. If you are self-employed, you will need to provide a copy of your most recent federal tax return form.
    • Proof of the amount(s) of any liquid assets or real estate, excluding house of residence.
    • Medical certification (if applying under disabled) as completed by a physician. The certification must include name, address, telephone number and physicians ID/control number.
    • Proof of age by copy of valid government issued identification (driver’s license, state or military ID).
    • Copy of rental/lease agreement stating responsibility for the MSD sewer charges (if a tenant).
    • Property owner's notarized statement of tenant residence at the property (if a tenant). 

    Once the application is approved, rate reductions begin on the first full month following approval. Rate reduction remains in effect for a period of one year from the date of approval. All applicants must reapply annually. A renewal application will automatically be sent 60 days prior to expiration date to all applicable customers.

    New applicants with a prior past due balance will need to establish payment arrangements with MSD in order to qualify for the low income assistance program.

    For additional information, or if you have questions, please contact (314) 768-6200.

  • The 2012 Poverty Guidelines
    Persons in family
    Annual Income
    Annual Income @ 150%
    Annual Income @ 175%
    1
    $11,170
    $16,755
    $19,548
    2
    $15,130
    $22,695
    $26,478
    3
    $19,090
    $28,635
    $33,408
    4
    $23,050
    $34,575
    $40,338
    5
    $27,010
    $40,515
    $47,268
    6
    $30,970
    $46,455
    $54,198
    7
    $34,930
    $52,395
    $61,128
    8
    $38,890
    $58,335
    $68,058
    For each additional person, add
    $3,960
    $5,940
    $6,930