Having access to clean, running water is a basic necessity. Yet many low-income households struggle to pay their water and sewer bills, putting them at risk of shutoffs. If you are behind on your water bill payments, there are resources that may be able to help. This guide will provide an overview of some of the main options to get assistance with water bills.
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federal program that helps low-income families pay water and wastewater bills. It is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
LIHWAP provides funds to states, territories, tribes, and tribal organizations to assist eligible households. The states and local providers then distribute the funds to applicants. This funding can help households who are in arrears on bills or at risk of disconnection of their drinking water or wastewater services.
To be eligible, applicants must have income at or below 60% of state median income level. States set the eligibility guidelines within the federal requirements The assistance is distributed directly to utility providers and public water systems LIHWAP funds can cover costs like reconnection fees, late fees, and other charges in addition to the main water bill.
The LIHWAP program period ended September 30, 2023, so there are currently no new applications being accepted. However, some supplemental benefits may still be issued in certain cases.
Check with Your Local Water Utility Company
If you are behind on your water bill, the first step is to contact your local water utility company directly. Many utility providers have assistance programs or flexible repayment options to help avoid shutoff.
When you call, explain your situation and financial hardship. Ask what kinds of bill assistance or repayment programs may be available. The company’s website may also have information on their financial assistance options.
Some examples of utility company assistance programs include
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Payment plans – Set up installments to pay back the amount owed over time
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Bill discounts – Discounted rates for low-income or senior customers.
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Customer assistance funds – Programs to help cover costs for those in need.
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Arrearage forgiveness – The utility waives all or part of the past due balance.
The availability and eligibility requirements for these programs vary by location and utility provider.
Explore State and Local Government Assistance
Many states and some local governments offer assistance programs for utility bills, including water. These programs go by different names but serve the similar purposes of helping lower income households avoid shutoffs.
Your state’s public utilities commission or consumer advocate office may have information on water bill assistance programs in your area. For example, California has the Low-Income Oversight Board which oversees water rate assistance programs.
State and local programs are an important resource to explore if you are struggling with water bills. The assistance is often distributed as grants or credits that go directly to the utility on the customer’s behalf.
Turn to Nonprofit Organizations
There are national and local nonprofits that provide financial assistance to help individuals who are behind on essential utility bills.
Some examples include:
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The Salvation Army – Provides emergency financial assistance through local corps community centers, including help for water bills. Find a local office by searching on zip code.
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St. Vincent De Paul – A network of supporting people in need. Conferences in each community assist with utilities through voucher programs.
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United Way – Call 2-1-1 to be referred to local United Way assistance programs, including water bill aid. Can also search for help online.
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Catholic Charities – A network providing basic needs assistance. Local agencies may have utility funds or other resources.
When contacting organizations, be prepared to explain your situation, provide income verification, and bring copies of water bills showing amounts owed. Nonprofits typically have funding limitations, so aid is not guaranteed. But they are worth exploring as an additional resource.
Use Benefits Screening Tools to Find Programs
There are also tools available to help you find and apply for assistance programs that you may qualify for. Benefits screening tools ask a series of questions to help identify utility bill assistance and other benefits.
Examples include:
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BenefitsCheckUp from NCOA – Free and confidential screening tool covering local, state, federal and private benefits. Can apply online or speak to a counselor.
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Aunt Bertha – Online search platform for assistance programs by zip code. Covers utility assistance options.
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HelpWhenYouNeedIt – Run by Everence, screens for utility bill assistance and other needs.
These tools ask about your income, expenses, and household details. Based on your answers, you get information on benefits that may be available in your area to help with water bills.
Apply for Additional Government Benefits
In some cases, low income households may qualify for other government programs that can free up money in their budget to help cover essential utility costs. Some options to explore include:
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Helps pay for groceries which frees up funds for bills.
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** Medicaid** – Provides free or low-cost health insurance to those who qualify based on income and assets.
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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Provides cash benefits and other support services to very low-income households with children under 18.
While these programs do not directly pay utility bills, they can reduce the strain on limited budgets. Applying for any benefits you may be eligible for can help improve your overall financial situation.
Seek Local Community Assistance
Don’t overlook assistance that may be available right in your local community:
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Food pantries – Getting free groceries frees up money to pay bills. Search online to find local options.
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Church assistance – Many local congregations have funds to help members or residents in need.
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Community action agencies – Public and nonprofit groups providing services for low-income residents.
Use online searches, social media, community bulletin boards, and word of mouth to find local assistance programs, groups, and resources in your city or town. Neighbors helping neighbors can make a big difference.
Frequency of Entities:
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): 10
water bill/bills: 19
wastewater: 3
utility/utilities: 8
payment plan: 1
bill discounts: 1
customer assistance funds: 1
arrearage forgiveness: 1
public utilities commission: 1
The Salvation Army: 1
St. Vincent De Paul: 1
United Way: 2
Catholic Charities: 1
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): 1
Medicaid: 1
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): 1
Where Can I Pay My Water Bill? – CountyOffice.org
FAQ
What is the new Texas utility help program?
The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is a utility assistance program. CEAP is meant to help low-income households meet their immediate energy needs and to teach people how to keep their energy costs down for years to come through energy education.
What is the Maryland water program?
Dollar Energy Fund runs the Maryland American Water Hardship Program, which helps eligible utility customers pay their Maryland American Water bills.
How do I get help paying utilities in Ohio?
Visiting the Ohio Development Services Agency website or calling 800. 282. 0880. Visiting the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio website or calling 800. 686. 7826.
What is the NYC water bill rebate?
You do not have to enroll in the Home Water Assistance Program. Eligible customers will automatically receive a credit on their water and sewer account. A credit for $145. 00 will appear on the first DEP bill you receive after the credit is applied. The transaction will be labeled “NYC Home Water Assistance Credit. ”.
