The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program is designed to help ensure that low-income households have access to safe and affordable water and wastewater services, and to prevent water shutoffs and other harmful consequences of unaffordable water bills. Find out more about LIHWAP water assistance below.
What is Low Income Household Water Assistance Program ?
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a program established by the United States Congress to provide assistance to low-income households to help them pay their water and wastewater bills. The program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which allocated $500 million to the program.
The LIHWAP is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which provides grants to states, territories, and tribes to assist eligible households. To be eligible for the program, a household must have a water or wastewater bill that is past due, or that the household expects to have difficulty paying in the future.
The program can provide assistance to eligible households for a variety of needs, including bill payment assistance, water and wastewater arrears assistance, and water and wastewater infrastructure improvements. The program also provides technical assistance and training to help households better manage their water bills and conserve water.
How Does LIHWAP Program Work ?
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program is a federal program that provides financial assistance to eligible households who are struggling to pay their water and wastewater bills. Here's how the program works:
1) Application and Approval:
To apply for low income household water assistance program, households can contact their local LIHWAP agency or visit the LIHWAP website to access the application. The application typically requires households to provide information about their income, water usage, and past due bills. After submitting the application, households will be notified if they have been approved for assistance.
2) Assistance Distribution:
Once approved for LIHWAP assistance, households can receive financial assistance to help pay past due water and wastewater bills, as well as future bills that they expect to have difficulty paying. The amount of assistance provided can vary by state and by household, but generally, households can receive up to $2,500 in assistance per bill, and up to $5,000 in total assistance.
3) Repairs and Upgrades:
The assistance provided through LIHWAP can be used to pay past due water and wastewater bills, as well as future bills that the household expects to have difficulty paying. The assistance can also be used to make repairs or upgrades to water and wastewater systems, such as fixing leaks or replacing outdated equipment.
Who is Eligible for Low Income Household Water Assistance Program?
To receive assistance through LIHWAP, a household must meet certain eligibility criteria, including being a low-income household, having a past due water or wastewater bill, and being a resident of the state where they are applying for assistance. Each state may have its own prioritization criteria for determining who receives LIHWAP assistance. Generally, to be eligible for the program, you must meet the following criteria:
1) Citizenship:
While LIHWAP is a federal program, it is administered at the state level, and some states may require applicants to be U.S. citizens or legal residents.
2) Low-Income Household:
You must be a low-income household, which is typically defined as a household with income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The exact income limits can vary by state and household size.
3) Past Due Bill:
You must have a past due water or wastewater bill, or expect to have difficulty paying your bill in the future. Each state may have its own criteria for what constitutes a past due bill, and may also consider factors such as family size and water usage.
4) Residency:
You must be a resident of the state where you are applying for LIHWAP assistance.
What Does Low Income Household Water Assistance Program Cover ?
LIHWAP is designed to prioritize assistance for households with the lowest incomes and those that are most at risk of having their water shut off due to non-payment. The program is designed to help eligible households pay for the following:
1) Drinking water and wastewater utility bills :
The program covers both drinking water and wastewater utility bills, including charges for water supply, water treatment, sewage treatment, and other related services.
2) Arrears or past-due bills :
If a household has accumulated unpaid bills, the program can provide assistance to pay off the arrears.
3) Connection fees :
The program can assist with the cost of connecting or reconnecting a household to a water or wastewater utility service.
4) Leak repairs :
The program may provide assistance to repair leaks in a household's water supply or wastewater system.
It's important to note that each state and territory may have its own rules and regulations regarding low income household water assistance program, and the specifics of what is covered may vary. If you are interested in applying, it is best to check with your local utility or the LIHWAP administrator in your state for more information.
How Much Assistance can I Receive under LIHWAP ?
The amount of assistance that a household can receive from the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program can vary by state and by household. Generally, LIHWAP can provide up to $2,500 in assistance per bill, and up to $5,000 in total assistance.
It's important to note that each state may have its own limits on the amount of assistance that can be provided through low income household water assistance program. Additionally, LIHWAP is designed to prioritize assistance for households with the lowest incomes and those that are most at risk of having their water shut off due to non-payment. Each state may have its own prioritization criteria for determining who receives LIHWAP assistance.
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How to Apply for Low Income Household Water Assistance Program ?
To apply for the LIHWAP program, individuals should follow the steps below:
1) Check Eligibility:
The first step is to check if you are eligible for the program. Eligibility criteria can vary by state, but generally, you must be a low-income household with a past due water or wastewater bill, or expect to have difficulty paying your bill in the future. Check with your local LIHWAP agency or visit the LIHWAP website to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements.
2) Contact Your Local LIHWAP Agency:
Once you have determined your eligibility, you will need to contact your local LIHWAP agency. You can find your local agency by visiting the low income household water assistance program website or contacting your state's Department of Health and Human Services. Your local agency will be able to provide you with the application forms and help you complete them.
3) Gather Required Documents:
You will need to provide documentation to verify your eligibility for the program. This may include proof of income, a copy of your water or wastewater bill, and proof of residency. Your local LIHWAP agency will provide you with a list of required documents.
4) Complete and Submit Your Application:
Once you have gathered all required documentation, you will need to complete the LIHWAP application form. Make sure to fill out the form completely and accurately, and provide all required documentation. Submit your application to your local LIHWAP agency, either in person or by mail.
5) Wait for Approval:
Once your application has been submitted, you will need to wait for approval. The approval process can vary by state, but generally, you will be notified within a few weeks of submitting your application. If your application is approved, you will receive assistance with your water or wastewater bill.
If you have questions about the LIHWAP water assistance program, contact your local agency or visit the LIHWAP website for more information.
LIHWAP Program Contact
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program is administered at the state and territory level, so the contact information may vary depending on where you live.
However, you can visit the LIHWAP website (www.lihwap.org) to find more information and resources about the program, including a directory of LIHWAP administrators in each state and territory. You can also contact the LIHWAP National Technical Assistance Provider at (844) 682-7392 or by email at LIHWAP@hudexchange.info for assistance and information about the program.
If you are unsure about who to contact in your state or territory, you can also reach out to your local utility company or a community organization that provides assistance to low-income households for more information and guidance on how to apply for LIHWAP water assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the income limits for low income household water assistance program?
A: The income limits for the LIHWAP can vary by state and by household size. In general, to be eligible for LIHWAP water assistance program, a household's income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
Q: What types of water and wastewater bills are eligible for assistance under LIHWAP?
A: Eligible bills can include past due water and wastewater bills, as well as future bills that the household expects to have difficulty paying. LIHWAP assistance can cover bills for water and wastewater services provided by a variety of sources, including public utilities, private companies, and well water systems.
Q: Can I receive LIHWAP assistance if I am already receiving assistance from other programs, such as LIHEAP?
A: Yes, LIHWAP assistance can be provided in addition to other forms of assistance, including Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, SNAP, and WIC.
Q: How can LIHWAP assistance be used?
A: LIHWAP water assistance program can be used to pay past due water and wastewater bills, as well as future bills that the household expects to have difficulty paying. The assistance can also be used to make repairs or upgrades to water and wastewater systems, such as fixing leaks or replacing outdated equipment.
Q: How can I find my local LIHWAP agency?
A: You can find your local LIHWAP agency by visiting the LIHWAP website or by contacting your state's Department of Health and Human Services.
Q: When is the deadline to apply for LIHWAP?
A: The deadline to apply for low income household water assistance program can vary by state, and each state may have its own application process and timeline. Contact your local agency or visit the LIHWAP website for more information on deadlines and application procedures.