The federal program deadline to apply for water and sewer bill assistance under the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) has passed, and the program is no longer accepting applications.
LIHWAP is a limited-term, federally funded program that offers assistance to help low-income households pay residential water and sewer bills and manage their residential water utility costs. LIHWAP was established by Congress in December 2020, and the program sunset on March 31, 2024.
The Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) is the designated administering agency for LIHWAP in California.
In May 2024, CSD distributed remaining LIHWAP water assistance funds to provide a “supplemental benefit” to eligible, previously-served LIHWAP beneficiaries.
Utility bills for services like electricity, gas, water, and sewage are regular expenses for homeowners and renters Many communities offer centralized billing for multiple utilities through a community utility billing service This guide will cover how community utility billing works, understanding your bill, and easy ways to pay it.
Overview of Community Utility Billing
Many cities and towns provide a centralized utility billing service that combines charges for some or all utilities including
- Electricity
- Natural gas
- Water
- Sewer
- Trash pickup
With community utility billing, you receive and pay one bill for multiple services This consolidated approach simplifies payment and account management
Utility billing services vary by community but often let you:
- View and pay bills online
- Set up autopay or recurring payments
- Access billing and payment history
- Monitor usage
- Notify of service issues
- Enroll in budget billing to even out payments
Sample Community Utility Bill
Though the format varies, a typical community utility bill contains:
- Account number
- Service address
- Billing date and due date
- Charges for each utility service
- Meter readings for water, gas, electricity
- Amount due and payment options
You may also see additional fees like service charges or municipal taxes. Review your bill closely each month and contact the utility billing department with any questions.
When Community Utility Bills Are Due
Payment due dates for community utility bills vary by town but are typically 15-30 days after the billing date. The specific due date will be printed on your utility bill each month.
Mark it on your calendar and pay on time to avoid late fees. Some communities allow due date extensions if requested before the cutoff. Late fees range from 1-5% of the unpaid balance.
Paying Your Community Utility Bill
Top options for paying your consolidated community utility bill include:
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Online via the utility billing portal – Log in to pay by credit/debit card or e-check. Enroll in autopay.
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By phone – Call the number on your bill to pay with a card or checking account.
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By mail – Send a check or money order with your remittance slip.
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In person – Visit the utility billing office to pay with cash, check, or card.
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Drop box – Many communities have secure drop boxes to leave check or money order payments.
Choose the most convenient method for you. Consistently paying by the due date can help you qualify for budget billing plans that even out payments.
Paying Online Through Community Utility Portal
The online self-service portal offered by many utility billing services allows quick, easy bill payment. Follow these steps to pay online:
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Visit your community’s utility billing website or portal login page.
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If new, register your account with your account number, address, and other details.
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Current users can login with your email and password.
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Select “Make Payment” and enter your payment info.
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Confirm details and submit payment.
You’ll receive a confirmation email and can view payment history in your portal account. Sign up for paperless billing to save time and resources.
Budget Billing for Even Monthly Payments
Customers with consistent on-time payments may qualify for budget billing programs, which even out your monthly utility costs across the year into fixed installments. This helps avoid spiking seasonal bills.
Requirements vary by utility, but you’ll need 12 months of payment history with no late fees typically. Contact your community utility billing department to ask about enrollment eligibility and average monthly budget amounts.
Getting Payment Assistance with Utilities
If you’re struggling to cover the cost of gas, electric, water, or other utility bills, payment assistance programs like LIHEAP may be able to help qualified applicants. These programs provide one-time or ongoing help with paying utility bills.
Eligibility is based on factors like household income, size, disability status, and age. Contact your utility provider for information on bill discounts, hardship extensions, or energy assistance programs available in your area.
Avoid Late Fees and Service Disruption
To avoid penalties and keep your utilities connected, be sure to pay your community utility bill in full by the due date every month without fail. If you anticipate issues paying on time, contact the billing department right away to ask about possible extensions or arrangements.
Ignoring bills and not communicating can result in larger fines and even service disconnection, so stay proactive in case you fall behind. Keeping your community utility account current saves you headaches.
Partnering With Your Utility Billing Provider
You can partner with your community utility billing provider for excellent service when you:
- Provide accurate account information and contact details
- Notify of any billing errors immediately
- Pay bills in full and on time, every month
- Communicate about any payment issues quickly
- Report service problems promptly
Strong communication and timely payment helps utility companies offer reliable service to the entire community.
Managing consolidated community utility bills is simple when you understand your charges, payment options, and account features like budget billing. Pay each bill on time and contact the billing department with any questions or concerns. Consistent on-time payment ensures smooth service and avoids late penalties.
Supplemental Benefit – Frequently Asked Questions
CSD distributed remaining LIHWAP water assistance funds to provide a “supplemental benefit” to eligible, previously-served LIHWAP beneficiaries.
The LIHWAP supplemental benefit is additional, one-time financial assistance for households that previously applied for and received a LIHWAP benefit. The LIHWAP supplemental benefit is automatically applied to eligible households water or sewer utility bills.
Customers do NOT need to apply for a LIHWAP supplemental benefit. If you are eligible, the benefit is automatically sent to your water or sewer utility to be applied to your utility bill.
For more information about the LIHWAP supplemental benefit visit:
Water Bill Assistance Resources
The United States Department of Health and Human Services has developed the following resources to help families and communities that need assistance with paying their water or sewer bill.
A water or sewer utility must be enrolled in LIHWAP in order for a household to be eligible for a benefit. Many, but not all, water and sewer systems accept LIHWAP payments for past due and current bills.
To confirm if your water or sewer utility is participating in LIHWAP visit:
If you have questions about LIHWAP or the LIHWAP supplemental benefit please contact the CSD toll-free customer helpline at (866) 675-6623.
The City of Weatherford Utility Billing Self Service Step-by-Step Instruction Video
FAQ
What are bill paying services?
With online bill pay, you can plan your payments and make payments from your computer, tablet, or phone. When you use an online bill pay service, a payment is taken out of your account and sent to the service provider. A bill pay service may be included as part of a checking account’s features.
Can I get help with my electric bill in California?
How much does liheap pay in California?
LIHEAP can offer a benefit of up to $3,000 to help you: Pay your heating or cooling bills. In an emergency or energy crisis, such as a utility disconnection.
How late can you be on your electric bill before they shut it off in California?
Shut-Off TimelineDays from Bill Issue DateAction TakenDay 27$10 late fee assessed on unpaid amounts. Day 3610-day shut-off notice sent and $15 late fee assessed. Day 4448-hour shut off notice sent. Day 46Utilities shut-off.
How much does a utility bill payment cost?
Some services that let you pay your utility bills charge $2 to $3 per transaction, whether you use a credit card or debit card. When a customer sets up auto payments to be taken out of a checking or savings account at regular times, there are usually no fees.
What does the utility billing customer service department do?
The billing for your monthly bill is taken care of by the Utility Billing Customer Service Department. Depending on where your home is located, your bill may include one or more of the following: potable, sewer, irrigation, sanitation (trash), RV fees (if applicable), and your contractual Amenity Fee.
How do I contact Buckeye utility billing & customer service?
Utility Billing for the City of Buckeye Below are links to information regarding the services provided by the city of Buckeye. If you would like to speak to a customer care representative, please call 623-349-6100.
How do I pay my Conservice Bill?
Conservice offers two primary methods for bill payment: Community Collect and Conservice Collect. Each community has opted into one or the other, for their residents. Here is a summary of each method, along with links to articles that go into more detail about how to use each one to make payments.
How do I pay my utility bills without signing up?
For Full Instructions in PDF format for account registration and navigation CLICK HERE. Customers now have two ways to pay their bills. You will need to know your account number, and customer number. Quick Pay (Clickable Link) Allows users to make their utility payments without signing up for an account.
How do I pay my utility bill in Arizona?
You can pay your utility bill in person, by mail, online, or with a phone app. Arizona Public Service Co. offers a range of payment choices, including in-person at check-cashing stores and payment kiosks.
