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LIHWAP Ended: Where to Find Water Bill Help Now
Federal LIHWAP water bill aid has ended. HHS says no LIHWAP funds are available and households cannot get a LIHWAP benefit now.
Do not pay a site to apply for it. You can still ask your water company, city, county, and local charities for other help.
What happened to LIHWAP?
LIHWAP was a short-term federal program for low-income water and sewer bills. It helped stop shutoffs, restore service, and lower bills.
Two 2021 laws gave it about $1.1 billion in one-time funds. HHS says it served about 1.5 million homes. The average benefit was $448. The program closed after the money was used.
An old state form may still show up in search. It cannot create new federal money.
Can LIHEAP pay a water bill?
Usually, no. LIHEAP is for home heating and cooling costs. HHS says its funds generally cannot pay water or sewer bills.
One exception is water used to cool a home, such as in an evaporative cooler. Ask the local LIHEAP office if that fits.
Can a state or city still have water aid?
Yes. A state, city, county, or utility may fund its own plan. The name and money source may not mention LIHWAP.
HHS suggests calling your city hall or county office. Also search the state social service site and the water company's site. Look for water aid, customer assistance, hardship, or low-income rates.
What should you ask the water company?
Call the number on the bill. Say you are having a hard time paying. Then ask about:
- A bill help program
- A payment plan
- A later due date
- A shutoff hold
- A low-income rate
- A leak or high-use review
- Fee removal
A payment plan lets you pay an old balance in smaller parts over many months. Ask what amount stops a shutoff today. Get the plan in writing and keep the worker's name.
Can 211 find local help?
Yes. Dial or text 211, or use 211.org. A local worker can search for water aid, Community Action Agencies, charities, and emergency funds.
Programs open and close as funds change. Call again if there was no open fund the first time.
What papers should you gather?
- The latest water bill
- Any shutoff notice
- Photo ID and address proof
- Income or benefit records
- Proof of a leak or repair, if that caused the bill
Ask which papers are required before sending private facts.
Write down each case number and deadline.
What if the bill came from a leak?
Ask for a leak adjustment or high-use review. Some utilities lower part of a bill after a repair.
Take photos, save the repair bill, and record the meter reading. A repair charity or weatherization agency may know of help for the plumbing work.
How do you avoid a fake water grant?
LIHWAP money went to states, territories, and tribes. People applied through them, not through HHS. So a surprise message about a new LIHWAP grant is not a real benefit.
Do not pay to release aid. Call the water company or agency using a number from its real bill or site.
What should you do first?
- Call the water company before the shutoff date.
- Call 211 for local funds.
- Call your city hall or county office.
- Check the state social service site.
- Apply to each real program for free.
Our LIHEAP guide covers heating and cooling bills. Our weatherization guide covers home energy repairs.
Your next step. The free utility-help guides explain energy and phone assistance and link to official program contacts. All tools →
Sources
- HHS ACF — Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) (published Aug. 5, 2026)
- HHS ACF — LIHWAP Fact Sheet (appropriations and FY23 program highlights)
- HHS ACF — Water Assistance Resources: Help With Water Bills (FY24)
- HHS ACF — LIHEAP Consumer FAQs
- FCC — Dial 211
- USA.gov — Help With Utility Bills
- 211 — Find Local Help