New Start Chicago
Do you need to figure out which programs can help you?
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- Eligible debt includes violations heard at DOAH and issued by City Departments such as DBACP, DOB, DSS, and CPD.
- Get interest, costs, and fees waived by paying 50% of the fine amount or enrolling in a payment plan.
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- Pay off recent vehicle debt to have older debt waived.
- Applicants must have vehicle-related debt and be the registered owner of the vehicle.
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Do you need assistance with paying your water or sewer bill? Find out more about the new Utility Billing Relief program!
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No penalties or debt collection on past due City of Chicago utility bill debt.
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50% rate reduction for water charges, sewer charges, and water-sewer tax.
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Debt forgiveness of previous unpaid balance after successfully completing 1-year in the program.
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The Water Leak Relief Pilot (LRP) Program is a new pilot program that seeks to provide debt relief to eligible customers who experience water leaks that cause unexpected increases in their bills. The LRP is a 2-year pilot program that will run from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026. This program is available for eligible properties with eligible leaks retroactive back to January 1, 2023, and is available one time per utility billing account.
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Suspended License, Booting, Ticketing and Towing Reforms
The City has implemented new reforms around driver’s license suspension, booting, ticketing and towing. Find out more here.
Fresh Start Debt Relief Program
For those who have entered Chapter 7 bankruptcy and need debt relief from City debt, the Fresh Start Program will be able to help you.
Vehicle Impoundment Program Reforms
The City has reduced fines and limited fees for impounded vehicles, decreased the number of situations in which a vehicle can be impounded, and added new defenses to help residents get their cars back.