Customers may be placed into CASH ONLY status for two reasons.

A customer with multiple returned payments in a one-year period may be placed on “Cash Only” status. When an account is placed on “Cash Only” status, customers are sent a letter notifying them that as a result of multiple returned payments, all future payments must be made with cash, cashier’s check, or money order.

Customers with at least twelve (12) months since their previous returned payment may be removed from “Cash Only” status at the discretion of LADWP.

A customer may also be placed on CASH ONLY status when a payment made to restore service after a nonpayment disconnection is returned.

 

FAQs

Why was my account status changed to CASH ONLY?

Your account status was changed to CASH ONLY due to: 1) multiple returned payments within the last 12 months, or 2) a returned payment given to a Field Collector.

Why did I receive a letter of potential placement of my account into CASH ONLY status?

You received the “Bank Returned Payment Letter” due to a recent payment that was returned by your bank. As the letter indicates, multiple returned payments will result in the placement of an account into CASH ONLY status.

What is a returned payment?

A payment returned by a financial institution as unpaid or not honored. Some common reasons are:

  • Insufficient funds
  • Stopped payments
  • Closed bank accounts
  • Incorrect routing/account numbers
  • Unauthorized debits
  • Revoked authorizations

How can I avoid returned payments?

Most returned payments can be avoided by double-checking all the transaction details before submitting the payment. This includes verifying that the funds are available. Make sure the debit and/or credit card information is up to date, including the expiration date.

How can I have the CASH ONLY status removed?

If placed into CASH ONLY status, due to multiple returned payments, then the CASH ONLY status may be removed at the discretion of LADWP once we receive successful payments for at least 12 months.

If your CASH ONLY status was applied due to a single returned payment given to a Field Collector, then your CASH ONLY status may be removed once a secured payment (cash, money order, and/or cashier’s check) is received to cover the returned payment amount.

Please note that any returned payment given to a Field Collector is also subject to the primary reason for being placed on CASH ONLY status if it is part of multiple returned payments on the account.

LADWP may not reconnect services until the total returned payment amount is paid in secured funds (cash, money order, and/or cashier’s check).

Can I appeal the decision to change my account status to CASH ONLY?

Removal from CASH ONLY status will be considered if proof of a bank error or fraud can be provided. Customers can contact LADWP for information regarding what documents must be submitted.

Does a change in status to CASH ONLY for one account affect my other accounts with LADWP?

A change in status to CASH ONLY for one account may cause the status of your other accounts to be changed to CASH ONLY as well. If you are unsure which accounts are affected, please contact LADWP for the information.

How do I make payments now that my account is CASH ONLY?

You can make payments using cash, a cashier’s check, or a money order. Payments must be received via the United States Postal Service (USPS) or in-person at one of our Customer Service Centers (CSC). DO NOT send cash via USPS and DO NOT deposit cash in a CSC drop box. LADWP has the right to refuse cash payment via USPS or CSC drop box. LADWP is not obligated to credit your account for any lost or stolen cash payments made via USPS or CSC drop box.

Can I be issued a Payment Agreement (Payment Arrangement or Payment Extension) to pay the returned payment amount?

No, a Payment Agreement is not an option offered to pay the returned payment amount.

How can I obtain a cashier’s check or money order?

A cashier’s check can be purchased at your local bank branch or credit union. Money orders can be purchased at a bank, credit union, USPS Offices, and some supermarket and convenience store locations.