Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program

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The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) helps income-eligible residents maintain access to drinking water and wastewater services. This important resource provides financial assistance to eligible households in managing costs associated with:

  • Water bills
  • Wastewater/sewer bills
  • Stormwater fees
  • Groundwater fees
  • Reconnection fees
  • Late fees
  • Lien removal fees (water-related)

LIHWAP is available for individuals and families who need assistance paying a current bill, have past-due water bills, had their service terminated, or received a notice indicating that their service will be terminated in the next 60 days. Households can receive the LIHWAP grants for both drinking water and for wastewater services. The funding is issued directly to the utility providers in support of families who meet income requirements.

Who is eligible for LIHWAP?

Mississippi residents who qualify for LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, will also be eligible for LIHWAP Low Income Household Water Assistance Program. Applicants’ household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income to qualify for these programs.

FAQs

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic that has affected the United States and caused a tremendous financial burden on many American households, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), through the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act, has awarded LIHWAP funding to states to provide assistance to eligible households to relieve their burden of water/wastewater costs to ensure families have adequate water.

Water bills
Wastewater/sewer bills
Stormwater fees
Groundwater fees
Reconnection fees
Late fees
Lien removal fees (water-related)

 If you and your family qualify for LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, you will also be eligible for LIHWAP Low Income Household Water Assistance Program. Your household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income to qualify for these programs.  

LIHWAP Household Priority Groups

There are three (3) priority groups for this program:

1. Households with disconnected water services;

2. Households with pending disconnections of water services (disconnect notice); and

3. Households needing assistance with current water bills (no disconnect notice).

Even if you have not received government assistance to pay your bills before, it is important to note that you may still be eligible for this program.

Individuals interested in applying for the LIHWAP should contact their local community action agency/human resource agency for an appointment. Items needed to determine eligibility: Proof of income, photo ID for household members over 18, Social Security numbers for all household members, and water bill (must be in the name of the applicant or spouse).

Lowest income Mississippians can receive up to $1500. Dependent on household size and income. People with bills in arrears can receive the entire past due amount.

$13 million to run through September 2013

LIHWAP is funded by ARPA and will end in September of 2023

There is no cap on the number of times a recipient may utilize the program. Eligible families can be served more than once. The Community Services Division and the Community Action Agencies have created a benefits matrix to determine the amount they can receive during the year on a case-by-case basis. Please complete an application to determine the amount, frequency, and other eligibility issues.

Find your local Community Action Agency

wdt_ID County Phone Number Address Agency
1 Adams 601.442.8681 1038 N. Union St. Bldg A
Natchez, MS 39120		 AJFC
2 Alcorn 662.286.9263 3114 Shiloh Rd, Suite A
Corinth, MS 38834		 Northeast MS CS
3 Amite 601.225.7878 123 East Main St
Gloster, MS 39639		 Southwest MS Opportunity
4 Attala 662.792.4033 550 MS-12
Kosciusko, MS 39090		 Central MS Inc.
5 Benton 662.224.8912 380 Ripley Ave
Ashland, MS 38603		 United CAC
6 Bolivar 662.846.1491 810 E. Sunflower Rd. St 120
Cleveland, MS		 Bolivar County CAA
7 Calhoun 662.412.2222 166 Shannon St.
Pittsboro, MS 38951		 LIFT, Inc
8 Carroll 662.283.4781 108 S. Front St.
Winona, MS 38967		 Central MS Inc.
9 Chickasaw 662.447.2089 146 CR 412
Van Vleet, MS 38877		 LIFT, Inc.
10 Choctaw 662.258.8233 129-B Dunn St.
Eupora, MS 38744		 Prairie Opportunity, Inc.
County Phone Number Address Agency