Keep reading to learn how this program can help with your water bill, especially if you’ve had trouble paying it lately.

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Do your expenses exceed your income? Then you’ll have to start cutting back in some places to make more room in your budget. What’s one place where you cannot cut back? Your water bill, because while you could take shorter showers or try to use less H2O, you’ll still have to pay your provider each month if you want to maintain that essential service.

If you’ve been having trouble with your water bill, there’s good news, as the federal government has recently launched the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program for situations just like yours.

What Is LIHWAP?

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program helps families who have issues with their water bill and fear having their service shut off for nonpayment.

When Did LIHWAP Start?

LIHWAP was launched in October of last year after it was authorized through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

Why Was LIHWAP Created?

The federal government created LIHWAP to help low-income families negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic so they could get assistance with their water bills.

How Long Will LIHWAP Last?

Since LIHWAP was created as a response to the pandemic, it is not a permanent program. With $1.14 billion in funding, officials believe LIHWAP should last until late 2023.

Will LIHWAP Help With Each Month’s Water Bill?

No, as LIHWAP is a one-time benefit. You can apply for it when you have issues with your water bill, and once fixed, you will have exhausted your eligibility.

How Can You Qualify For LIHWAP?

Think of LIHWAP as a form of emergency assistance that can come in handy when you need it. You cannot apply for LIHWAP simply because you feel that your water bill is too expensive. Instead, you will have to apply for assistance if one of the following occurs:

1. You have a past-due balance with your water or wastewater company.
2. Your water or wastewater company has sent you a disconnection notice for not paying your bill on time.
3. You’ve lost your water or wastewater service due to nonpayment, and you need help with reconnection.

Besides having one of those circumstances apply to your household, you must make below a certain income to qualify for help from LIHWAP, as it focuses on assisting families in need.

Is LIHWAP Only Available In Certain Areas?

LIHWAP is a federal program, making it available all over the U.S., including the 50 states, Washington D.C., Tribal lands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories.

How Can You Apply For LIHWAP?

You can apply for LIHWAP benefits in one of the following ways:

• Call your utility provider.
• Dial 211 on your phone and ask the local operator how to apply for LIHWAP.
• Contact your county government.
• Ask your nearest Community Action Agency.

Depending on which route you take and where you live, you may get to complete an application for LIHWAP and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program simultaneously. Doing so could result in one-time assistance with your water bill and ongoing help with your cooling and heating costs.