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LIHWAP Ended: Where to Find Water Bill Help Now
Federal LIHWAP water bill aid has ended. HHS says no LIHWAP funds are available and households cannot get a LIHWAP benefit now.
Do not pay a site to apply for it. You can still ask your water company, state, county, and local charities for other help.
What happened to LIHWAP?
LIHWAP was a short-term federal program for low-income water and sewer bills. It could help stop a shutoff, restore service, or lower a bill.
Congress gave the program one-time funds. The federal program closed after those funds were used. An old state form may still show up in search, but it cannot create new federal money.
Can LIHEAP pay a water bill?
Usually, no. LIHEAP is for home heating and cooling costs. HHS says its funds generally cannot pay water or sewer bills.
A narrow exception may apply when water is used for home cooling, such as an evaporative cooler. Ask the local LIHEAP office if that fits.
Can a state still have water aid?
Yes. A state, city, county, or utility may fund its own plan. The name and money source may not mention LIHWAP.
Search the state social service site and the water company's site. Look for water aid, customer assistance, hardship, or low-income rates.
What should you ask the water company?
Call the number on the bill and ask about:
- A payment plan
- A shutoff hold
- A low-income rate
- A leak or high-use review
- A hardship fund
- Fee removal
Ask what amount stops a shutoff today. Get the plan in writing and keep the worker's name.
Can 211 find local help?
Yes. Dial 211 or use 211.org. A local worker can search for water aid, Community Action Agencies, charities, and emergency funds.
Programs open and close as funds change. Call again if there was no open fund the first time.
What papers should you gather?
- The latest water bill
- Any shutoff notice
- Photo ID and address proof
- Income or benefit records
- Proof of a leak or repair, if that caused the bill
Ask which papers are required before sending private facts.
Write down each case number and deadline.
What if the bill came from a leak?
Ask for a leak adjustment or high-use review. Some utilities lower part of a bill after a repair.
Take photos, save the repair bill, and record the meter reading. A repair charity or weatherization agency may know of help for the plumbing work.
How do you avoid a fake water grant?
HHS says LIHWAP did not give direct grants to people and did not charge a fee. A surprise LIHWAP grant message is not a new benefit.
Do not pay to release aid. Call the water company or agency using a number from its real bill or site.
What should you do first?
- Call the water company before the shutoff date.
- Call 211 for local funds.
- Check the state and county social service sites.
- Apply to each real program for free.
Our LIHEAP guide covers heating and cooling bills. Our weatherization guide covers home energy repairs.
Run your numbers. The free Benefits Estimator shows the Lifeline and LIHEAP cut-offs for a home like yours in three questions. Nothing you type is saved. All calculators →