Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) | The Administration for Children and Families

Why LIHWAP Matters Right Now

Access to safe running water and functional wastewater services is a non-negotiable household necessity, yet millions of renters and homeowners struggle to keep accounts current as rates rise and pandemic-era protections expire. The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) was created by Congress in December 2020 to prevent shutoffs, cover overdue balances, and restore services for struggling customers. Administered nationally by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and deployed locally by states, territories, and Tribal Nations, LIHWAP channels emergency dollars to utility providers on behalf of qualifying households. Unlike traditional loan programs, LIHWAP assistance never has to be repaid, and funds can be approved in days when documentation is ready.

Even though LIHWAP began as a pandemic-era initiative, Congress has extended the program multiple times and the infrastructure established in 2021 remains fully operational. Many states have blended LIHWAP into existing energy assistance teams, so families who previously received LIHEAP, SNAP, or other safety net supports can leverage the same offices to solve water debt. Because water arrears often cascade into eviction or tax liens, using LIHWAP proactively protects housing stability, credit scores, and health outcomes. The program is especially valuable in communities where local utilities resumed shutoffs, added reconnection fees, or require deposits from households with past-due balances.

Benefit Snapshot

Eligible costs: Past-due residential water bills, wastewater bills, reconnection fees, late charges, and in some jurisdictions future bills to prevent shutoff.
Payment channel: Direct payment from state or Tribal agency to the water provider; clients typically never handle funds.
Time to funding: Many agencies process applications within 10–30 days once all documents are submitted; emergency shutoff cases can be expedited within 48 hours.
Coordination with other benefits: Households can receive LIHWAP even if they already receive LIHEAP energy aid, housing assistance, or rental relief.

Program Structure and Funding Cycles

States receive annual LIHWAP allocations based on poverty levels, utility costs, and other demographic factors. Some jurisdictions release funds in waves—prioritizing arrears first, then supporting prevention for customers who are behind but not yet disconnected. When demand spikes, states sometimes pause intake to reconcile payments with utilities. Applicants should therefore check both state portals and local community action agencies for the latest intake status. Tribal governments operate their own LIHWAP programs with tailored eligibility rules and may offer more generous caps for households on reservation lands where infrastructure costs are higher.

The majority of states have opted to continue LIHWAP alongside their permanent energy and weatherization programs. While the federal statute allows funds to address both drinking water and wastewater obligations, some states have separate contractors for each service. To avoid delays, applicants should list every utility provider on the application and supply the latest statements for each account. If a landlord bills water through rent, tenants need a lease breakdown showing they are responsible for payment; otherwise, the owner may have to apply directly.

Eligibility Pathways

Income Tests

Most states set the income threshold at 150% of the federal poverty guidelines (FPG) or 60% of state median income (SMI), whichever is greater. A few jurisdictions go up to 200% FPG when funds allow. Documentation options include the prior year’s tax return, current pay stubs, Social Security award letters, unemployment statements, or self-employment ledgers. Gig workers should provide detailed profit-and-loss statements paired with bank statements to prove actual income. If your income recently dropped, submit the most current proof and ask caseworkers to average your last 30 days instead of using older earnings.

Categorical Eligibility

Participation in specific means-tested benefits (SNAP, TANF, SSI, WIC, Head Start, Tribal TANF) automatically satisfies income rules in most states. Bring the most recent benefit determination notice or verification printout. Some portals allow direct data matching: entering your SNAP case number can pre-populate income fields and speed approval.

Utility Responsibility

Applicants must attest that they are responsible for the water bill, either directly with the utility or indirectly through rent. Provide:

Latest water and wastewater bills showing account numbers, service address, and amount owed.
Disconnection notice or past-due letter if applicable.
Lease agreement or landlord statement when utilities are bundled with rent.
For well or septic systems serviced by private vendors, invoices or repair estimates may qualify in select states—call ahead to confirm.

Immigration and Residency Rules

Household members receiving the benefit must reside legally in the United States, but mixed-status families can qualify when at least one member with eligible documentation is named on the account. Because LIHWAP is not considered a public-charge benefit, using it should not jeopardize immigration applications. Provide Social Security numbers for eligible adults when available; if not, states can accept Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) or proof of Tribal enrollment.

How to Apply Step-by-Step

Locate your administering agency. Visit the ACF LIHWAP directory to find state, territory, or Tribal intake sites. Many states delegate operations to local community action agencies (CAAs).
Pre-screen for intake status. Agencies sometimes pause applications when funding is exhausted. Check social media, recorded hotline messages, or online calendars to confirm open intake windows.
Gather documentation. Collect identification, Social Security numbers or ITINs, proof of residency, income documents for every adult, benefit award letters, and all current utility bills.
Complete the application. Depending on location, you may apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. Use blue or black ink on paper applications and avoid leaving blanks—write “N/A” instead.
Sign utility releases. LIHWAP requires permission to discuss your account with providers. Sign all release forms; missing signatures are a top reason for delays.
Submit shutoff notices immediately. If you received a disconnect warning, upload or fax it and call the agency to request emergency processing.
Track your case. Ask for a confirmation number and follow up weekly. Many agencies use automated texts or emails to request missing documents—respond within 24 hours.
Confirm payment with the utility. After approval, contact your water provider to verify the credit posted. Request a zero-balance letter for your records.
Plan for future bills. If your budget remains tight, ask about payment plans, budget billing, or conservation kits that reduce usage.

Maximizing Approval Odds

Submit a complete packet. Include every page of utility bills, even blank ones. Upload clear photos or scanned PDFs; avoid shadows or cut-off account numbers.
Bundle benefits. Apply for LIHEAP or rental assistance simultaneously. Caseworkers can cross-reference files, confirm income faster, and share documentation.
Explain irregular income. Use a cover letter detailing your employment situation, how income fluctuates, and why arrears accrued. Provide supporting bank statements.
Highlight health and safety risks. If someone in your home has a medical condition requiring water (dialysis, respiratory equipment, disability-related sanitation needs), include doctor’s notes or prescription lists to prioritize your case.
Request crisis designation. Many states reserve a portion of funds for imminent shutoffs. If your notice lists a cutoff date within 10 days, emphasize that in both the application and follow-up calls.

Coordinating with Utilities

Water providers vary widely in their LIHWAP readiness. Some municipal utilities submit batch invoices weekly, while rural water districts may be new to federal programs. When contacting your utility:

Ask for the LIHWAP liaison or billing supervisor familiar with assistance payments.
Request that the account be flagged to prevent disconnection while assistance is pending.
Inquire about payment arrangements you can maintain alongside LIHWAP, such as a six-month catch-up plan or budget billing after arrears are cleared.
Provide documentation of any moratoriums or forgiveness programs the utility offers; combining local relief with LIHWAP can fully wipe out large balances.

Handling Landlord-Mediated Bills

If water service is in your landlord’s name but billed to you, states may require:

A signed statement from the landlord confirming the amount owed for water and wastewater.
A W-9 from the landlord so the agency can legally disburse funds.
Proof that the landlord is not already receiving duplicate assistance for the same charges.

Tenants should maintain communication with the property owner so payments are credited correctly. If the landlord refuses cooperation, file a written request with the housing authority or local legal aid; some states can compel participation when nonpayment risks habitability violations.

Special Considerations for Tribal Communities

Tribal LIHWAP programs often integrate with housing, sanitation, and Indian Health Service initiatives. Benefits may include:

Higher per-household caps recognizing remote infrastructure costs.
Coverage for cistern cleaning, septic pumping, or water hauling fees.
Coordination with Tribal employment programs to help households maintain eligibility.

Applicants should contact their Tribal utility authority or social services department to determine unique documentation requirements, such as enrollment numbers or household census forms.

Renewal and Recertification

LIHWAP is typically designed for one-time crisis assistance, but many states allow repeat applications in different program years or when new arrears emerge. Keep the following in mind:

Annual cycles: Federal fiscal year runs October 1 to September 30. New funding often becomes available in late fall; apply early before waitlists grow.
Proof of payment: Save confirmation letters showing the previous assistance was applied correctly; some states require proof before approving another grant.
Budget planning: Enroll in utility conservation workshops or rebate programs for water-saving fixtures. Demonstrating proactive steps can strengthen subsequent applications.

Insider Tips to Win LIHWAP

Use advocacy partners. Nonprofits like the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC) and local legal aid offices often provide LIHWAP coaches who review applications and contact utilities on your behalf.
Document usage spikes. If a leak caused a huge bill, include plumber invoices, photos, or insurance claims. Agencies may negotiate adjustments with the utility in addition to LIHWAP payments.
Leverage hardship policies. Many utilities have medical or pandemic hardship flags. Request a note from a healthcare provider stating water is medically necessary to strengthen your case.
Appeal denials quickly. You generally have 10–30 days to appeal. In your appeal, restate eligibility criteria and attach any missing documents. Escalate to state program managers if local offices fail to respond.
Keep digital backups. Store scans of IDs, Social Security cards, leases, and bills in a secure cloud folder. Quick access speeds up future applications or re-verifications.
Coordinate with housing counselors. HUD-certified counselors can write support letters explaining how LIHWAP will stabilize your housing plan, reinforcing the public benefit of approval.
Ask about arrears matching. Some cities match LIHWAP dollars with philanthropic funds. Inquire whether local charities, churches, or water funds will double the payment once LIHWAP approves.
Track policy updates. Subscribe to your state’s LIHEAP/LIHWAP newsletter. Policy changes—like expanded eligibility or higher benefit caps—often occur mid-year.
Use multi-lingual resources. If English is not your first language, request translated applications or interpreter services. Clear communication reduces errors that trigger denials.
Plan for infrastructure upgrades. Pair LIHWAP with weatherization or plumbing repair grants to reduce leaks. Mention these efforts in your application to show you are addressing root causes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can homeowners and renters both apply? Yes. Eligibility hinges on income and responsibility for the bill, not housing tenure. Provide documentation showing you directly pay the utility or reimburse your landlord.

What if my state closed applications? Ask to be placed on a priority waitlist and request referrals to charitable water funds, churches, or municipal relief programs. Document every interaction so you can demonstrate persistence if appeals are needed.

Does LIHWAP cover stormwater or drainage fees? In many cities, yes. Include these line items when submitting bills so the agency can pay the full outstanding balance.

Can LIHWAP help with future bills? Some states offer prospective payments for up to three months. Request this option if your budget remains tight; agencies often prefer prevention to repeated crises.

Will receiving LIHWAP affect my taxes? No. The benefit is not considered taxable income and does not count against other federal assistance caps.

References and Resources

Staying Ready for Future Funding

While long-term federal authorization is still under discussion, most states plan to continue water assistance using remaining LIHWAP dollars and other infrastructure funds. Stay engaged with local utility boards, city councils, and state legislatures to advocate for permanent water affordability programs. Maintain a habit of quarterly account reviews, set calendar reminders for reapplication windows, and keep documentation organized so you can act fast when new relief dollars flow. By treating LIHWAP as part of a broader water security strategy—including conservation, income supports, and tenant protections—you can keep essential services stable and affordable for your household.