Section 8 Assist
Benefits Assistance

How To Get Help With Your Water Bill

Are you worried that your water is about to be shut off because you have not paid your bill on time? If so, see how the relatively new program dubbed “LIHWAP” could help.

Rent probably tops the list when you think of essential bills that you must pay every month to continue living comfortably. What comes right after that? Grocery bills, followed by utilities.

We all know that you need a roof over your head and food to survive, but electricity and water are also critical. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers help with cooling and heating costs, making it quite popular with families in need. What isn’t so popular yet? The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), but only because it’s new and most people have never heard of it. Let’s look at how this water bill assistance program could help you.

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program

LIHWAP is a program from the federal government that’s straightforward in nature. It’s aimed to help low-income families with their water and wastewater bills. Pair it with LIHEAP, and you could get some much-needed help with your utility expenses and ensure that your water and electricity stay connected.

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program was launched after it was authorized via the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. It is a temporary program developed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and a $1.14 billion investment funds it. As for how long LIHWAP is expected to last, some estimates say it should stick around until September 2023. However, the program’s funding could run out before that time as many low-income families are projected to apply for its benefits.

LIHWAP is not intended to be used as an ongoing form of government assistance. Instead, it is a one-time benefit that can help low-income households that need help with their water bills due to the risk of shut-off for nonpayment. LIHWAP can also help households where the water has already been shut off by reconnecting their utilities. In short, LIHWAP is meant for you if one of the following applies:

  • Your water bill is past due.
  • You received a disconnection notice.
  • Your water has been disconnected.

It’s worth noting that those requirements could vary according to your location. Should you qualify for LIHWAP, any payments will be made directly to your utility company.

LIHWAP Availability And Eligibility

Since LIHWAP is a federal program, it is available in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Territories, and Tribal lands. To help those requiring aid, some areas have combined their applications for both LIHWAP and LIHEAP so you can get help with your water and electricity bills.

Beyond meeting one of the three categories above (past due bill, disconnection notice, disconnected service), you must also meet income requirements to qualify for LIHWAP benefits.
To apply for LIHWAP, use one of the following options:

  • Call 211 and ask if they can help you apply for LIHWAP benefits.
  • Contact your utility provider and ask if they know who to contact for a LIHWAP application.
  • Ask your local Community Action Agency for help.
  • Contact your county government.

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