For many households, paying the monthly water bill can be a financial challenge. Unexpectedly high bills job loss medical issues, and other factors can make it difficult to afford this basic utility. Luckily, there are assistance programs available that provide help for paying water bills. This guide covers different options to receive financial relief.
Overview of Water Bill Assistance
With water rates steadily rising across the US, more families are struggling to keep up with payments. Missed or late payments can result in service shut offs, fees, and other issues. Seeking help is important to maintain access to running water which is a health and sanitation necessity.
There are two main types of assistance for residential water bills:
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Government programs – Federally and state funded programs provide grants and discounts to qualified low-income households.
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Utility company programs – Most water providers have hardship funds, payment plans, and other assistance for customers in need.
Water bill help ranges from a few dollars in savings to grants covering 100% of an overdue balance. The programs have eligibility requirements based on income, account standing, and other criteria.
Federal LIHWAP Program
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federal program providing water bill aid. It is administered in each state by designated agencies. Highlights:
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One-time grants up to $2,500 paid directly to water companies.
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Funding comes from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.
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Households must be below 60% of state median income and demonstrate need.
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The program originally closed March 2023 but was extended through 2024 due to remaining funds.
LIHWAP assistance can go towards any residential water and sewer costs including bills, reconnection fees, and other charges. The money does not go directly to consumers.
State and Local Programs
Along with LIHWAP, many additional water bill assistance programs are available through state governments, cities, and community organizations such as:
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State welfare agencies often have utility assistance programs.
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City utilities frequently have customer assistance funds.
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Charitable organizations like The Salvation Army offer help with bills.
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Catholic Charities, United Way, and Lutheran Social Services are other common aid providers.
These programs help fill the gaps for households that don’t qualify for LIHWAP or need more assistance beyond what LIHWAP provides. The aid is usually in the form of one-time grants.
Water Company Hardship Programs
Most water suppliers recognize some customers need help paying their bills. Many have hardship programs offering:
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Payment matching where the company matches the amount paid by a customer toward their bill.
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Extended payment plans allowing customers extra time to pay a past due balance while keeping water on.
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forgiveness of late fees and penalties.
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Water conservation rebates to help lower future water usage and bills.
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Access to donated funds used to pay off account balances for customers in crisis.
Water companies also connect households to government and nonprofit assistance. They may administer aid programs on behalf of those organizations.
How to Apply for Water Bill Assistance
If struggling to pay your water bill, here are some steps to take:
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Contact your water provider directly to ask about hardship programs, eligibility, and how to apply.
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Check if LIHWAP is active in your state and how to submit an application if you qualify.
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Search for state and local government as well as nonprofit aid programs in your area.
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Compile required documents like photo ID, income verification, and water bills.
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Complete applications fully and accurately to avoid delays. Respond quickly to any requests for additional information.
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Be persistent and explore multiple avenues for help if initially denied assistance.
Accessing water bill help provides critical relief so households can afford this vital utility service. With persistence and reaching out to the many potential aid sources, you can hopefully find an assistance program to meet your needs.
Sincere Effort of Payment
Applicants must have paid at least $75 on their Cal Water account in the three months prior to applying for a grant.
Senior Citizens, age 62 and over, must have paid $50 on their accounts in the three months prior to applying for a grant.
Pledges made on an applicant’s behalf and other grants cannot be counted toward the sincere effort of payment. Exceptions may be made in cases of extreme hardships.
Applicants must have an outstanding balance on their Cal Water bill of at least $100.
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $200.
Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (10/1/2024 – 9/30/2025)
Grant awards are based on need and each family’s circumstances are different. Grant amounts are determined on a case-to-case basis.
If a customer’s utility service is off or in threat of termination when they apply and the maximum grant amount will not restore service or stop termination, the application will be denied. The amount needed to restore service or stop a termination is determined by utility review. Notification will be sent to the customer advising them that their application was denied and that an additional payment is required in order to be considered for assistance.
All applicants must provide verification of income.
Income-eligible clients must apply for all federally-funded programs when those programs are open.
Account must be residential, single home or apartment. No “cooking only,” commercial, industrial, or apartments with shared utility service.
Name on account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.
Dollar Energy Fund grants cannot be used to cover security deposits or reconnection fees.
Total gross household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Use our Income Calculator, or the chart below, to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for the program.
| Household Size | 200% Monthly | 200% Yearly |
| 1 | $2,510 | $30,120 |
| 2 | $3,407 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $4,303 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $5,200 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $6,097 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $6,993 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $7,890 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $8,787 | $105,440 |
| Each add’l add | $897 | $10,760 |
How To Apply
The best way to start seeking help is by calling your utility company, who will provide you with information on a number of different assistance programs that are available to help low-income utility customers.
The Cal Water Cares Hardship Program also partners with a network of Community Based Organizations. These dedicated agencies provide application intake services for clients. After speaking with a representative at Cal Water, you will be referred to an agency in your area. This agency will complete your application for assistance.
7 Programs that Can Pay Your Bills For You
FAQ
How do I get help paying my water bill in California?
What is the Fresno water affordability program?
What is the Buffalo water Affordability Program?
What is the California state utility relief program?
Where can I get water bill help?
Find water bill assistance from charities, government organizations or get help from programs offered directly by water companies. Emergency water bill help is focused on helping senior citizens, disabled people, and low-income families with a shut off notice. Grant money, hardship programs and other resources are offered.
What is emergency water bill help?
Emergency water bill help is focused on helping senior citizens, disabled people, and low-income families with a shut off notice. Grant money, hardship programs and other resources are offered. Get details on water bill assistance programs in your state below. In some cases a full bill is paid and in other instances partial payments are made.
Does lihwap pay for water bills?
The federal LIHWAP low-income water bill assistance program is available nationwide. It provides free government grant money, including emergency financial help near you today, to struggling families. The funds can also help pay to fix or replace a hot water heater/tank. LIHWAP can pay for both (1) water bills as well as (2) wastewater/sewer costs.
What is the low income household water assistance program?
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, administered by the California Department of Community Services and Development, was established by Congress in December 2020 as a one-time support to help low-income Californians pay past-due or current bills for water, sewer or both services.
Who can help pay water costs?
Any funds that may be available to help pay water costs from organizations such as Catholic Charities or the Salvation Army will often be for families in a crisis or people at risk, such as the elderly or households with young children. Read more on various charity organizations.
Who is eligible for the water rate Assistance Program?
The Water Rate Assistance Program, which Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed last month, would have created a water affordability program for low-income households. Who is eligible for assistance? The program is available to both low-income renters and homeowners — even though most renters are not responsible for their water and sewer bills.