Help paying your water bill now that LIHWAP is gone

Know that LIHWAP has ended

The federal Office of Community Services says funding is no longer available for LIHWAP and households cannot receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

SourceAdministration for Children and Families: LIHWAP · accessed Oct 10, 2026

In California, the state agency that ran it says the program sunset on March 31, 2024 and is no longer accepting applications. In May 2024 it sent remaining funds as a one-time supplemental benefit to households it had already served.

SourceCalifornia Department of Community Services and Development: LIHWAP · accessed Oct 10, 2026

Ask the places the federal government points to now

The same federal page sends people to three places that may have water and wastewater help:

• Community Action Agencies: local government and nonprofit groups that run social service programs. Find yours at communityactionpartnership.com/find-a-cap.
• United Way 2-1-1: dial 2-1-1 or visit unitedway.org, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Energy help: energyhelp.us for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and benefits.gov for other programs.

SourceAdministration for Children and Families: LIHWAP · accessed Oct 10, 2026

Then call your water utility and ask, by name, for its customer assistance program, payment agreements, and any debt help.

See how an income-based program works

Philadelphia’s Water Revenue Bureau publishes its rules, so it makes a clear example. If household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, the monthly bill in its Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) could be fixed at 2–3% of household income. Between 150% and 250%, payments of about 4% of income may be available. A special hardship, such as a job loss or the death of a primary wage earner, can qualify a household above the limits for 4%. Seniors 65 or older with household income under $42,100 a year may get a 25% discount.

Its monthly income limits at 150% of poverty are $1,995 for one person, $2,705 for two, $3,415 for three, and $4,125 for four (add $710 per extra person). At 250% they are $3,325, $4,509, $5,692 and $6,875 (add $1,184 per person).

SourcePhiladelphia Water Revenue Bureau: Water Bill Assistance Eligibility · accessed Oct 10, 2026

Other utilities set their own limits and percentages. Use the estimator at the top of this page as an example, not a promise.

Ask about old debt and shutoff protection

Some programs do more than lower the next bill. In Philadelphia’s TAP, each reduced payment erases part of the debt on the account, and 24 full payments clear all eligible debt. Forgiveness covers only debt from before enrollment. While enrolled, customers are protected from penalties and shutoffs, and a hardship that stops you paying the TAP bill doesn’t remove you from the program. Call (215) 685-6300 to talk about a payment agreement.

SourcePhiladelphia Water Revenue Bureau: Tiered Assistance Program · accessed Oct 10, 2026

Ask your own utility the same three questions: does it forgive old debt, does enrollment stop shutoffs, and what happens if you miss a payment?

Gather the paperwork first

Applications ask about everyone in the household and every source of income. Philadelphia’s asks for each income source, its amount, and how often it’s paid, and suggests W-2s, 1099s or other tax paperwork when income varies. Documents you attach must be dated within the past 12 months.

SourcesPhiladelphia WRB eligibility · Philadelphia Water Department: We Care · accessed Oct 10, 2026

• Your latest water bill and account number
• Household size and each member’s income
• Proof of any hardship (job loss, illness, a death in the household)

Lower the bill you’re asking help with

A leak can waste water, cause longer-term damage, and raise the usage on your bill. Philadelphia’s TAP includes free conservation visits for eligible high-usage homes, where its partner makes small repairs or replaces fixtures at no charge.

SourcePhiladelphia Water Revenue Bureau: Tiered Assistance Program · accessed Oct 10, 2026

Our bill analyzer is free. Use it to see whether usage jumped, which points to a leak worth fixing first.

Think the bill itself is wrong? Read the free dispute and leak-adjustment guide.