The Low-Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWA) Program is designed to provide low-income households with assistance for their drinking water and wastewater services costs. Households who are at or below 60% state median income (SMI) are income eligible for the program. Required income documentation is similar to that of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Eligible water and wastewater utilities include those that provide service to permanent residential communities. LIHWA assistance payments will be paid directly to these utilities on behalf of eligible households to reconnect services, avert disconnection of services, and pay past-due amounts and current charges. Households who pay their landlord or management agent for water and wastewater charges are encouraged to apply, as they may still be eligible for LIHWA assistance.
Households seeking water and wastewater bill assistance should apply through their local Community Action Agency. LIHWA assistance is expected to be available beginning in January 2022.