Millions of Americans struggle to keep up with water and sewer bills, and for years the federal Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provided a lifeline. That program ended on March 31, 2024, when federal funding ran out. If you are searching for help paying your water bill right now, LIHWAP is no longer accepting applications, but real alternatives exist at the state, utility, and local levels. This guide explains what LIHWAP was, which programs replaced it, and exactly how to apply for water bill help in 2025 and 2026.
What Was LIHWAP?
Congress created LIHWAP in December 2020 as part of pandemic-era relief legislation. The program sent federal dollars to states, territories, and tribal organizations, which then distributed grants directly to water and wastewater utilities on behalf of low-income households.
Before it ended, LIHWAP:
- Helped approximately 1.5 million households nationwide
- Prevented service shutoffs for more than 217,000 families
- Restored service for more than 30,000 households that had already lost water access
- Paid arrearages (past-due balances) and in some cases current bills
Income limits varied by state. Most states set the cutoff at 60% of the state median income (SMI) or 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL), whichever was higher. Maximum benefit amounts also differed, with some states like New Jersey offering up to $4,000 per service type (water and sewer separately).
The program sunset was not a surprise to advocates. Senator Alex Padilla introduced the LIHWAP Establishment Act to create a permanent version of the program, but as of early 2026, no permanent federal water assistance program has passed.
Current Programs That Help With Water Bills
Even without LIHWAP, you have options. Here is where to look.
1. Contact Your Water Utility Directly
Start here. Most large water utilities run their own customer assistance programs, and many are legally required to offer payment plans. When you call, ask specifically about:
- Low-income rate discounts (often called lifeline rates or tiered billing)
- Arrearage management plans (structured repayment of past-due balances)
- Shut-off protection for households with medical needs or minor children
- Temporary hardship deferrals
Some utilities receive state funds to run their own assistance programs. For example:
- California Water Service (Cal Water) runs the Cal Water Cares Hardship Program through the Dollar Energy Fund, with income limits at 200% FPL. The current program runs through September 30, 2026.
- San Francisco PUC has a Customer Assistance Program covering water and wastewater for households at or below 200% FPL.
- Michigan's WRAP (Water Residential Assistance Program) provides grants and water conservation help to low-income households over a two-year period.
2. LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
LIHEAP is the federal energy assistance program that helps with heating and cooling costs, but it is worth checking for two reasons. First, some states use a portion of LIHEAP funds to help with water heating costs. Second, LIHEAP offices often serve as the local hub for all utility assistance, so applying or asking there can connect you to other resources.
LIHEAP income limits for 2026 are set at no more than 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) or 60% of state median income, whichever is higher. The table below shows the 150% FPL thresholds for the 48 contiguous states and D.C.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (2026) | 150% FPL (2026) |
|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $23,940 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $32,460 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $40,980 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $49,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $58,020 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $66,540 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $75,060 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $83,580 |
Alaska and Hawaii have higher FPL thresholds. To find your local LIHEAP office, visit energyhelp.us or call 211.
3. 211 and Community Action Agencies
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone (available 24/7 in most areas) or visit 211.org to find local utility assistance. Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are local nonprofits funded partly by federal dollars and partly by state and local sources. Even without LIHWAP, many CAAs maintain emergency utility funds and can sometimes cover water bills directly.
CAAs can also connect you to:
- One-time emergency assistance grants
- Weatherization programs that reduce overall utility costs
- Other benefit programs you may not know you qualify for
4. Nonprofit and Religious Organization Help
Several national nonprofits operate utility assistance funds:
- The Salvation Army Emergency Assistance programs (contact your local chapter)
- United Way local chapters often fund utility assistance directly
- Dollar Energy Fund partners with utilities in multiple states
- Catholic Charities and similar faith-based organizations
Search "water bill help [your city]" or call 211 to find what is available locally.
5. State-Funded Water Assistance Programs
Several states created their own water assistance programs after LIHWAP ended or have programs that ran alongside it. Check your state's department of human services or community services agency for current programs. States actively running or funding water assistance as of early 2026 include California, Michigan, Pennsylvania (through periods when state funds are available), and Washington state.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
The exact application process depends on which program you are applying to, but these steps apply broadly.
Step 1: Gather your documents
Most programs require:
- Photo ID for all adult household members
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, benefit letters, tax return)
- Most recent water and sewer bill
- Proof of address (utility bill or lease)
- Social Security numbers for household members (some programs)
Step 2: Check income eligibility
Compare your household's gross monthly income to the program's income limit. Most water assistance programs use either 150% FPL or 60% of state median income. Use the table above for the 150% FPL threshold.
Step 3: Contact the program
- For your water utility's own program, call the customer service number on your bill and ask for the "assistance program" or "hardship department."
- For LIHEAP, visit energyhelp.us to find your state agency, or call 211.
- For Community Action Agencies, call 211 or search "community action agency [your county]."
Step 4: Submit your application
Many programs accept applications online, by phone, or in person. If you apply in person, bring all documents listed above. Online applications typically require you to upload scans or photos of documents.
Step 5: Follow up
Processing times range from a few days to several weeks. If your service is at risk of shutoff, tell the program representative upfront. Most agencies have an expedited process for households facing imminent shutoff.
Step 6: Request a shutoff hold while your application is pending
Once you have applied, contact your water utility and let them know an assistance application is in process. Many utilities are required to delay disconnection while an application is under review.
What to Do If You Are Behind on Your Water Bill Right Now
If you owe a past-due balance and cannot pay it:
- Call your utility before the shutoff date. Most utilities will work out a payment arrangement if you contact them proactively.
- Ask for an arrearage management plan. This spreads your past-due balance over 12 to 24 months on top of your current bill.
- Apply to 211 or a CAA for an emergency grant. Some can issue payment directly to your utility within 48 to 72 hours for urgent cases.
- Check if your state has medical or family hardship shutoff protection. Many states prohibit shutoffs when minor children or medically vulnerable adults live in the home.
Program Comparison
| Program | Who Runs It | Typical Income Limit | Covers Water Bills |
|---|
| LIHWAP | Federal (ended 3/31/2024) | 60% SMI or 150% FPL | Yes |
| LIHEAP | Federal, state-administered | 60% SMI or 150% FPL | Water heating only (some states) |
| Utility Assistance Programs | Individual water utilities | Varies (often 200% FPL) | Yes |
| Community Action Agency funds | Local nonprofits | Varies | Yes (emergency grants) |
| State water assistance programs | State agencies | Varies by state | Yes |
| Nonprofit emergency funds | Charities (Salvation Army, etc.) | Varies | Yes (limited amounts) |
Check What You Qualify For
If you are unsure which programs apply to your situation, the free eligibility screener at Benefits Navigator checks multiple programs at once based on your income, household size, and state. It takes about five minutes and shows you programs you may qualify for along with next steps.
Check your eligibility now
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LIHWAP still accepting applications in 2026?
No. The federal LIHWAP program ended on March 31, 2024. States, territories, and tribal organizations exhausted all authorized funding. No new applications are being accepted under the original LIHWAP authorization. If a website claims you can still apply for LIHWAP benefits in 2026, that information is outdated.
Will Congress create a new water assistance program?
Senator Padilla introduced the LIHWAP Establishment Act to make the program permanent, but as of early 2026, no permanent federal water assistance program has been passed. Advocates and water utility groups continue to push for legislation.
Can LIHEAP pay my water bill?
LIHEAP is primarily for heating and cooling energy costs, but some states allow a portion of funds to help with water heating. It generally does not cover water and sewer delivery charges directly. However, LIHEAP offices are a good starting point because they often know about every utility assistance resource available locally.
What income do I need to qualify for water bill help?
Most programs use either 150% of the federal poverty level or 60% of state median income as their cutoff. For a family of four in 2026, 150% FPL is approximately $49,500 per year in gross income. Some utility-specific programs set higher cutoffs at 200% FPL, which is approximately $66,000 per year for a family of four.
Can I get help if my water service has already been shut off?
Yes. Many programs can pay reconnection fees and past-due balances in addition to current bills. Tell the program you contact upfront that service has been disconnected, as this often triggers a faster review process. Community Action Agencies in particular sometimes have emergency funds for reconnection.
What if I am a renter and water is included in my rent?
It depends on the program. Some assistance goes directly to the utility account, which requires the account to be in your name. If your landlord pays the water bill and includes it in rent, you may need to ask your landlord to apply on your behalf, or look for general rental assistance programs that can cover housing costs holistically.
How long does it take to get water bill assistance?
Processing times vary widely. Utility company programs can sometimes approve a payment plan or discount the same day you call. Government-administered grants may take two to six weeks. For urgent situations involving an imminent shutoff, tell every program you contact that you have a shutoff notice, as this can speed processing significantly.
Are undocumented immigrants eligible for water bill assistance?
LIHEAP and some government programs require at least one household member to be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant. However, many nonprofit and utility-run programs do not have citizenship requirements. Contact a local Community Action Agency or 211 to find programs in your area that serve all residents regardless of immigration status.
