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 |