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Low-income Households Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
Program Overview
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a temporary emergency program to help low-income households pay overdue water and wastewater bills. Michigan received emergency funding from Congress to administer this program. This program is available to low-income homeowners or renters.
Funding is administered through MDHHS to Community Action Agencies (CAAs) statewide until September 30, 2023, unless depleted prior to that date.
Allowable Services
Direct past due water bill assistance for household accounts in arrears or disconnect status, including reconnection fees when services have been disconnected.
Eligibility
Qualified water bill account holders must:
- Be a residential account.
- Be in arrears or disconnect status.
- Be under 150% Federal Poverty Level and/or actively receiving Family Independence Program/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (FIP/TANF), Food Assistance Program/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (FAP/SNAP), State Emergency Relief (SER), Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI).
Household/Family Size |
150% Federal Poverty Level Guidelines |
1 |
$1,610 |
2 |
$2,178 |
3 |
$2,745 |
4 |
$3,313 |
5 |
$3,880 |
6 |
$4,448 |
7 |
$5,015 |
8 |
$5,582 |
Provider Participation
To be eligible for payment, providers must complete a LIHWAP Participation Agreement before receiving payments on behalf of eligible customers. The agreement is valid for the duration of the program. A LIHWAP payment shall guarantee service for at least 90 days after receipt of payment. Participation is voluntary for water and wastewater providers. CAAs will work with water and wastewater providers to implement the program and engage in outreach to residents.
How to Apply
Please contact your local CAA to apply for assistance.
Need Additional Assistance?
- Go to MI Bridges (michigan.gov) to apply for benefits and find community resources.
- For assistance with rent and utility bills go to MSHDA - COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) (michigan.gov)
Additional Information