Paying your water bill is an essential task as a resident of San Benito, Texas. Ensuring your water services continue without disruption means paying your bill in a timely manner. With easy and convenient online bill pay now available from the city of San Benito, you can take care of this crucial chore in just minutes from your computer or mobile device.
As a long-time resident of San Benito myself, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to remember to mail in a check or drive across town to pay at City Hall. Life is busy enough without having one more errand to worry about each month. The ability to pay my water bill online has been a real time-saver and stress-reducer.
In this article, I’ll walk through step-by-step how to sign up for online bill pay with the city of San Benito and discuss the benefits of paying your water bill online. Whether you’re new to San Benito or have lived here for years like me, read on to learn just how quick and easy it is to pay your water bill from the comfort of home.
How to Sign Up for Online Bill Pay
The city of San Benito makes it simple to enroll in online bill pay for your water services. Just follow these steps:
- Visit the Online Bill Pay page on the city’s website.
- Click on the “Pay My Utility Bill” button. This will direct you to the payment portal.
- Select “Enroll in AutoPay” on the right side of the screen.
- Enter your utility account number and the phone number on file for your account. Click “Continue”.
- Fill in your personal details including name, email address, and create a password. Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Confirm your enrollment via email.
- You’re all set! You can now log in anytime to view and pay your water bill.
The whole process takes just a few minutes, The city does not charge any fees to enroll in paperless billing and automatic payments
If you prefer, you can also make one-time payments through the online payment portal without enrolling in AutoPay. Just enter your account number each time you log in to pay your monthly bill.
Benefits of Paying Your Water Bill Online
Paying your San Benito water bill online offers a number of advantages:
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It’s fast and easy – Once enrolled, paying your bill takes just seconds. No need to find your paper statement, write a check, or drive to City Hall.
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Saves money: When you pay online, you don’t have to pay for checks, envelopes, stamps, or gas to drive to pay in person.
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AutoPay means never missing a payment – With automatic monthly payments, your bill gets paid on time every time so you avoid late fees.
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Access your account anytime – You can log in to view your account balance and payment history 24/7
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Eco-friendly – Paperless billing reduces waste and helps the environment.
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Payment reminders: Get emails when your bill is ready and your payment has been processed. This way you can stay up to date.
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Secure payments – The payment portal uses industry-standard encryption to keep your information safe.
As a busy San Benito resident, I love the convenience of paying my water bill completely online. It is one less hassle each month and gives me peace of mind knowing my payment will process automatically.
What Information You Need to Pay Your Bill
To pay your water bill online or enroll in AutoPay, you will need:
- San Benito water account number
- Address associated with your account
- Email address
- Phone number on file
- Valid credit or debit card
Your account number, address, and phone can be found on your paper water bill statement. You can also get this information by calling the San Benito Business Office at 956-361-3800.
The online payment system accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit and debit cards. You can securely store your payment information in the system to make checking out even easier each month.
When San Benito Water Bills Are Due
San Benito residential and commercial utility bills for water, sewer, and garbage collection are mailed monthly and due by the 15th of each month.
Payments received after the 15th will incur a 10% late penalty charge. Notices are mailed if an account is past due.
If a bill remains unpaid, water service may be disconnected around the 25th of the month. Reconnection fees apply to resume service once it has been shut off for nonpayment.
With the convenience of online bill pay, you can easily avoid late fees and service interruptions. AutoPay will process your payment each month by the due date, keeping your account in good standing.
Options If You Need Help Paying Your Bill
If you are struggling financially and unable to pay your San Benito water bill, you may qualify for assistance:
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Payment arrangements – Contact the Business Office to set up a payment plan for past due balances.
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LIHEAP – This federally funded program provides utility bill assistance to low income households. Apply through your local community action agency.
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Project SHARE – Administered by the Community Action Corporation of South Texas, this program helps pay water bills for qualified applicants.
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United Way – Limited emergency utility assistance may be available for families facing financial hardship. Call their helpline at 211 to learn more.
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Nonprofit assistance – Some local churches and charities may offer utility bill grants or loans. Research groups specific to San Benito.
Be sure to pursue these or other options right away if you anticipate difficulty paying your water bill so that you can avoid service disruptions.
Steps for Opening or Closing a San Benito Water Account
As a resident, you’ll need water services turned on when you first move to San Benito and shut off when you move away. The City’s Business Office handles opening and closing water accounts.
To open a new account, you’ll need to complete an application and provide a copy of your ID, proof of property rental or ownership, and pay a deposit. The fee to start water service is $50 for residents.
To close an existing water account, submit a Disconnect Request form online, by email, or in person. Provide your forwarding address and give at least 3 days notice before your move date. Any deposit balance will be refunded to you.
Key Takeaways on Paying Your San Benito Water Bill
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Paying your water bill online through the city’s portal is fast, easy, and secure.
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Sign up for AutoPay to eliminate late fees and avoid service interruptions.
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Keep your account info handy including account number, service address, and phone.
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Payment assistance programs are available if you qualify and struggle to pay your bill.
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Notify the Business Office when opening or closing a San Benito water account.
Paying your water bill each month is an essential responsibility. By leveraging the convenient online payment options provided by the city of San Benito, you can stay on top of your account and avoid any lapses in service.
As a resident, I encourage you to enroll in paperless billing and AutoPay to simplify water bill management. Please reach out to the city’s Business Office if you need any assistance with accessing these online tools to pay your bill. They are happy to help get you set up for easy online payments.
Send payment by mail:
Mail your check or money order to the address below. Please do not send cash. Make your payment payable to “City of San Benito” and please include your utility account number on your check if you are not attaching your bill stub. Payments submitted by mail are posted on the business day they are received.
*Temporary personal or business checks are not accepted*
Mail your payment to the address below: Attn: Utility Billing 485 N. Sam Houston Blvd San Benito, TX 78586
Enroll in Automatic Bank Draft:
The most convenient form of payment we offer at no charge to the customer is the automatic bank draft option. We will automatically draft your bank account on the due date of your utility bill and credit your utility account accordingly. This payment option offers the benefit of paying your utility bill on time to prevent late fees and additional penalties as a result of late payments.
To enroll, please submit the completed Automatic Bank Draft Form (PDF) and attach a voided check.
Pay by Telephone:
For Residential accounts, please call 877-507-4648 (convenience fees apply)
For Commercial/Business accounts, please call 855-427-9222 (convenience fees apply) *Payments processed after 5:00pm will be credited to your account on the following business day*
Pay at alternate Payment Centers:
**Please be advised that payments accepted at these locations take at minimum two business days to post to your utility account.
Pay at H-E-B
Pay at Walmart (PDF)
Drop off your payment in the form of check or money order (no cash please) in the lock box located at City Hall. Make your payment payable to “City of San Benito”. Please include your utility account number on your check if you are not attaching your bill stub. No postdated checks are accepted.
Payments dropped off after 5:00 pm are posted to your account on the following business day. A payment dropped off after 5:00 pm on the due date will incur late fees.
*Temporary personal or business checks are not accepted*
San Benito Woman Struggling to Get Answers on Overcharged Water Bill
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