Dollar Energy Fund runs the Cal Water Cares Hardship Program, which helps California Water Service Company customers who qualify pay their bills. Customers may be eligible to receive a one-time grant that is applied directly to their utility bill. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
For services that are down or about to go down, it will be open from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Grants are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Paying your monthly water bill is essential for maintaining access to clean drinking water and sanitation services. However, for many households affording this basic necessity can be a challenge. If you are having trouble paying your water bill each month, there are resources available to help. This article will provide an overview of programs that offer financial assistance for water bills eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
Federal Assistance for Water Bills
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provided funds to help low-income households pay water and wastewater bills. LIHWAP was established in late 2020 and was administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program provided grants to states, territories tribes and tribal organizations to run local LIHWAP programs.
LIHWAP funds could be used for:
- Assistance paying water and wastewater bills
- Reconnection fees
- Arrearages
- Rate reductions
Unfortunately, LIHWAP funding ended on March 31, 2024. New applications are no longer being accepted. However, LIHWAP granted a supplemental benefit in May 2024 to previously assisted households.
LIHWAP is no longer in operation, but during its two years of existence it helped over a million households in very important ways.
Other Federal Programs
Since LIHWAP is no longer available, people who need help with their water bills can look at Benefits. gov to find other federal programs they may qualify for. Some options include:
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LIHEAP, or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, gives grants to help people pay their heating and cooling bills. Some LIHEAP programs in your area may also help with the cost of heating water.
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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) helps very low-income families with children by giving them cash. Funds could potentially be used for water bills.
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Section 8 Housing Vouchers: Helps pay rent for low-income tenants. Water bills may be covered if they are included in rent.
Reaching out to your local Community Action Agency is also recommended, as they administer various federal and local assistance programs.
State and Local Assistance Programs
Along with federal options, many states and utilities run their own water bill assistance programs. Availability and eligibility varies greatly based on your location.
California Water Bill Assistance
In California, the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) administered LIHWAP at the state level. With LIHWAP ended, California residents can check out the following programs:
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Low-Income Ratepayer Assistance (LIRA): Offers 20% discount on water bills for qualifying households. Administered by utility providers.
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Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA): Provides 18% discount on electric bills and 20% on natural gas bills for households below 200% of the federal poverty level. Some utilities allow FERA recipients to also receive water bill discounts.
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Utility Company Programs: Many California water utilities like California Water Service offer individual assistance programs. These provide one-time grants or discounts to customers in need.
Other State & Local Programs
Options available in your area depend on the state and utility provider. Some common types of assistance include:
- One-time bill payment grants
- Percentage discounts for low-income customers
- Flexible payment plans
- Water conservation rebates
- Water rate assistance programs
Reaching out to your local utility and checking their website is the best way to find programs for your area. Your state or county’s health and human services department may also have information on water assistance options.
How to Apply for Water Bill Assistance
Applying for water bill assistance begins by determining what programs are available in your area.
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Check with your utility provider: The best place to start is by calling your water company directly. They can walk through available options, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
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Contact local programs: Such as Community Action Agencies and state/county health and human services departments. Explain your situation and they can help identify programs you qualify for.
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Research online: Your utility company and government department websites are great resources for finding programs. You can also search for your state/city + “water bill assistance” to find local options.
Once you’ve identified programs, the application process typically involves:
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Completing an application: Usually requires providing household and income information. May be done online, in-person, over the phone, or by mail.
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Submitting income documentation: Most programs require submitting pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income to confirm eligibility.
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Following up on application status: You will need to follow up with the administering agency to check if your application was approved.
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Providing account info: If approved, you’ll need to provide your water account number so the benefit can be applied.
Applying widely to any program you may qualify for is encouraged, as demand for assistance often exceeds available funding. With persistence and following up on all options, you can hopefully find a program to help ease the cost of your water bills.
Additional Ways to Reduce Water Utility Costs
Along with financial assistance programs, there are steps you can take to help lower your monthly water and sewer bills:
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Monitor your usage: Track your daily and monthly water usage to identify where you can conserve. Look for leaks, run full loads in the washer/dishwasher, take shorter showers, and avoid wasted water.
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Use water-efficient fixtures: Install low-flow faucet aerators, showerheads, toilets, and other fixtures. Look for rebate programs in your area to help offset costs.
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Check for billing errors: Review your monthly bill in detail and check for double charges, estimate reading errors, or other incorrect fees. Notify your provider immediately if you find any.
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Enroll in budget billing: Programs that average your costs over 12 months can help avoid bill spikes in high-usage seasons. Check if your utility offers this.
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Request an extension: If your balance is due, call your provider to request a due date extension or make payment arrangements. Avoid late fees or immediate shut-off.
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Appeal a denial: If denied assistance, appeal the decision if you believe your application was wrongly rejected. Provide added documentation if needed.
Using a combination of financial assistance, conservation practices, billing adjustments, and payment plans can help significantly lower the strain of water costs on your monthly budget.
Don’t Wait to Get Help with Your Water Bill
Access to water is a basic human need, and no one should have to go without it due to cost alone. If paying your water bill has become difficult, now is the time to seek assistance. Although funding is limited, you may qualify for federal, state, or local programs offering discounts, grants, and flexible payment options. Reach out to your utility provider, local health and human services agencies, or research online to start the application process. With some persistence, you can find an option to help ease your water costs and keep this critical service flowing in your home.
Sincere Effort of Payment
Applicants must have paid at least $75 on their Cal Water account in the three months prior to applying for a grant.
People aged 62 and up must have paid $50 on their accounts in the three months before they apply for a grant.
Pledges made on an applicant’s behalf and other grants cannot be counted toward the sincere effort of payment. Exceptions may be made in cases of extreme hardships.
Applicants must have an outstanding balance on their Cal Water bill of at least $100.
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $200.
Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (10/1/2024 – 9/30/2025)
Grant awards are based on need and each family’s circumstances are different. Grant amounts are determined on a case-to-case basis.
If a customer’s utility service is off or in threat of termination when they apply and the maximum grant amount will not restore service or stop termination, the application will be denied. The amount needed to restore service or stop a termination is determined by utility review. Notification will be sent to the customer advising them that their application was denied and that an additional payment is required in order to be considered for assistance.
All applicants must provide verification of income.
Income-eligible clients must apply for all federally-funded programs when those programs are open.
Account must be residential, single home or apartment. No “cooking only,” commercial, industrial, or apartments with shared utility service.
Name on account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.
Dollar Energy Fund grants cannot be used to cover security deposits or reconnection fees.
Total gross household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Use our Income Calculator, or the chart below, to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for the program.
| Household Size | 200% Monthly | 200% Yearly |
| 1 | $2,510 | $30,120 |
| 2 | $3,407 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $4,303 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $5,200 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $6,097 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $6,993 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $7,890 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $8,787 | $105,440 |
| Each add’l add | $897 | $10,760 |
How To Apply
Calling your utility company is the best way to start looking for help. They can give you information on a number of different programs that can help low-income utility customers.
The Cal Water Cares Hardship Program also partners with a network of Community Based Organizations. These dedicated agencies provide application intake services for clients. After speaking with a representative at Cal Water, you will be referred to an agency in your area. This agency will complete your application for assistance.
7 Programs that Can Pay Your Bills For You
FAQ
How do I get help paying my water bill in California?
Low-income households that qualify for LIHWAP can get one-time money to pay their water or sewer bills, whether they are due now or have been late, and keep their water on. TODAY: Go to csd.org to see if you can get help paying your water or sewer bill, whether it’s due today or last month. ca. gov/waterbill to learn more.
What is the Fresno water affordability program?
For additional information, call (559) 621-6888. The Affordability Credit Program offers financial assistance to qualified low-income water and residential solid waste utility account holders.
What is the Buffalo water Affordability Program?
Our goal is to make water bills more affordable for residential customers in our City, by providing bill access assistance, water conservation measures, and help navigating provided resources. Eligibility for financial assistance is based on household income relative to federal low-income guidelines.
What is the California state utility relief program?
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) LIHEAP offers income-qualified customers a one-time payment to help: Pay heating or cooling bills. In an emergency or energy crisis, such as a utility disconnection.
Where can I get water bill help?
Find water bill assistance from charities, government organizations or get help from programs offered directly by water companies. Emergency water bill help is focused on helping senior citizens, disabled people, and low-income families with a shut off notice. Grant money, hardship programs and other resources are offered.
What is emergency water bill help?
Emergency water bill help is focused on helping senior citizens, disabled people, and low-income families with a shut off notice. Grant money, hardship programs and other resources are offered. Get details on water bill assistance programs in your state below. In some cases a full bill is paid and in other instances partial payments are made.
Does lihwap pay for water bills?
The federal LIHWAP low-income water bill assistance program is available nationwide. It provides free government grant money, including emergency financial help near you today, to struggling families. The funds can also help pay to fix or replace a hot water heater/tank. LIHWAP can pay for both (1) water bills as well as (2) wastewater/sewer costs.
What is the low income household water assistance program?
Congress set up the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program in December 2020. It is run by the California Department of Community Services and Development and helps low-income Californians pay their water, sewer, or both bills that are current or past due.
Who can help pay water costs?
Any funds that may be available to help pay water costs from organizations such as Catholic Charities or the Salvation Army will often be for families in a crisis or people at risk, such as the elderly or households with young children. Read more on various charity organizations.
Who is eligible for the water rate Assistance Program?
The Water Rate Assistance Program, which Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed last month, would have created a water affordability program for low-income households. Who is eligible for assistance? The program is available to both low-income renters and homeowners — even though most renters are not responsible for their water and sewer bills.
