Rent & Utility Assistance

Utility Assistance Programs

On May 21, 2024, the Town Council approved a pilot utility bill discount program. The program will be administered by AZCEND in partnership with the Town.

Although Gilbert's utility services (Water, Sewer, Trash & Environmental Compliance) have historically been among the lowest cost in the Phoenix Metro area, due to the increased costs associated with operating and maintaining these services, the bills that customers receive have been rising as the rates change to cover those costs. Therefore, it is the intent of this program to provide a monthly discount for Gilbert residents that qualify.

Utility Discount Program

The Town of Gilbert is excited to share updates to its Utility Discount Program, aimed at better serving the needs of our community.

Qualifications

• The income eligibility threshold has been increased to include households earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), making the program accessible to a broader range of residents

• Income Qualifications

Visit AZCEND for more details and to check your eligibility.

Rent and Utility Assistance for Crisis Situations

If you are in a crisis situation or are unable to pay your bills, you may be able to receive help with your rent, utilities–including water, gas and electricity–and mortgage at AZCEND. Financial assistance is available to those who financially qualify through Neighborhood Assistance Services (NAS). This program is designed to prevent utility shut off and evictions.

Apply for Rent or Crisis Utility Assistance

Rental Assistance Program

Maricopa County is the designated Community Action Program (CAP) office for the Town of Gilbert. They accept applications for rent and utility assistance through the Maricopa County Client Portal. Please go to: Home  · HSDClientPortal.Maricopa.Gov to begin your application process.

If you have already applied and need an update on your application you can contact Maricopa County at 602-506-0589 or fill out the form on the site. 

If you need assistance applying, you are welcome to visit staff at the Heritage Center.

132 W Bruce Ave, Gilbert 85233
Located in the Heritage Center

Local Assistance:

For all other program assistance including mortgage assistance, please contact AZCEND at 480-428-5446 and complete the Pre-Screening packet English/Spanish. 

Office hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 am-4 pm, Evenings by appointment

EVICTION RESCOURCES TOOLKIT

AZ Relay 711

The Town of Gilbert does not discriminate against any individual or program applicant on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, handicap, familial status or national origin. 

Foreclosure Prevention

You may be eligible to receive mortgage payment assistance to prevent foreclosure!

The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) - This is a federally-funded , foreclosure-prevention program that provides assistance for low-income Arizona homeowners experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. If you are in danger of losing your home, the HAF program can prevent that from happening. 

Title Loan Program

The Lend a Hand loan program aims to assist Maricopa County residents struggling to pay off high-cost car title loans and help put them on a path to healthy credit and financial success. The Lend a Hand loan program is provided through a partnership between the Arizona Community Foundation, MariSol Federal Credit Union (MFCU), the Phoenix IDA, and Take Charge America (TCA).

Program Summary

Residents with car title loans begin the Lend a Hand application process with a free and confidential financial counseling session with TCA. TCA forwards the resident’s complete loan application to MFCU for the determination of program eligibility. A qualified borrower will receive a loan up to $4,000 that will be issued for 12-36 month periods at a 15% annual percentage rate (APR). By comparison, title loan companies can charge rates up to 204% APR. The program also includes credit union membership and benefits and will help participants build a savings account during the term of their loan. The Lend a Hand loan program is being offered for a limited time and is open to Maricopa County residents while funding is available.

The Process 

1. The applicant will contact TCA and complete their Lend a Hand application.
2. Applicants will then participate in a one-hour credit counseling session made available by phone or in-person by TCA
3. TCA will then forward the application package to MFCU.
4. MFCU will subsequently contact the prospective borrower to review their application and determine eligibility for a loan under the program
5. If approved, MFCU will pay the title loan company directly and start the borrower on the road to financial success.

More Information

To apply, residents should please call 1-877-822-2410 or visit https://www.takechargeamerica.org/.  English brochure | Spanish brochure

Other Programs

Making Home Affordable Program
If you are struggling with your monthly mortgage payments or have already missed a payment learn more about the options available to you through MHA: loan modification assistance, information on short sales and much more.

Foreclosure Information Workbook Information on the entire foreclosure process, different options, avoiding scams and rebuilding after foreclosure.

Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Task Force - 1-877-448-1211
The website provides a list of local nonprofits that provide free or low cost housing counseling, tips to avoid foreclosure, tips for avoiding scams, and tips for renters.

Homeownership Preservation Foundation - 1-888-995 HOPE (4673)
Resource for people struggling to keep up with their home mortgage. The website has significant information including common myths, potential scams, and on-line counseling. The phone number is staffed 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Predatory Lending & Foreclosure Scams

Arizona Attorney General 602-542-5763 

If you believe you are a victim of a mortgage rescue scam or a consumer fraud, file a complaint with the Attorney General's office or call Consumer Information and Complaints Unit at 602.542.5763 (Phoenix); 520.628.6504 (Tucson) and (toll free in State Arizona, outside Maricopa and Pima Counties) 800.352.8431

Foreclosure Rights for Renters

The Helping Families Save their Homes Act expired on December 31, 2014 after a two year extension.  Since the law has expired, foreclosure rights revert back to state and local law.  Below is Arizona’s state law regarding this particular subject. View website

As an additional resource, this guide offers an overview of the alternatives to foreclosure, including federal programs and how to keep your home in tough times: Fighting Foreclosure: Rights, Strategies & Resources for Protecting Your Home