The City of Tulsa is offering a grace period to Tulsans struggling to pay their utility bills during the government shutdown.
“We know many Tulsans are caught in the middle of something they didn’t cause,” Mayor Monroe Nichols said in a news release.
Residents experiencing financial hardships directly related to the shutdown, such as a loss of income or SNAP benefits, can apply for the grace period. If approved, they have until Jan. 31, 2026 to make their payments.
“People who work hard, serve their country and care for their families shouldn’t have to worry about losing water because their paycheck or benefits are delayed,” the mayor said. “We can’t fix what’s happening in Washington, D.C., but we can make sure our neighbors are taken care of here at home.”
Qualifying residents will not accrue late charges or face service disruptions during the grace period. Applicants must email the following documentation to tulsa311@cityoftulsa.org:
- SNAP benefits letter or personalized furlough letter addressed to the applicant
- Federal ID
- Account and customer ID numbers
Alternatively, applicants can provide the documentation in-person at City Hall, 175 E. 2nd St., Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
See the Tulsa Flyer’s ongoing coverage of SNAP here.
News decisions at the Tulsa Flyer are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.