For a limited time, customers who meet maximum income limits may be able to receive financial assistance from the New Mexico Human Services Department’s Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) to help pay their water bills. LIHWAP is a federally funded program that offers a one-time benefit of up to $1,500 for bills accrued during any time frame.
Having access to clean, running water in your home is a basic necessity However, for many families and individuals struggling financially, paying the water bill each month can be a real challenge. If you find yourself worrying about how to pay your water bill, know that you are not alone. There are resources and programs available to help eligible households pay their water bills and avoid service shutoffs This guide provides an overview of some of the main organizations and agencies that offer water bill assistance across the United States.
Check with Your Local Water Utility Company
Your first step is to directly contact your local water utility company. Many utility companies understand the financial hardships individuals and families may face, and they offer programs to help customers in need pay their water bills. These assistance programs vary by location, but can include:
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Payment plans – Allow customers to pay past due balances over time in installments. This helps avoid large lump sum payments.
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Discounted rates – Offer reduced water rates to qualifying low-income households.
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Bill credits – Provide one time credits on water bills to help lower balances.
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Temporary suspension of shutoffs – Halt water service disconnections for a period of time to allow customers to get back on track with payments.
When you call your water company, explain your situation and ask what types of payment assistance programs they offer. Have information on your account and income handy. The earlier you reach out for help, the more options you will have
State and Federal Programs
If your water utility company does not have its own assistance programs, they can often refer you to state and federal resources Two of the main programs are
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
- Federally funded program administered by states and local agencies.
- Provides funds to help low income households pay water and wastewater bills.
- Eligibility based on income, household size, and water account status.
-Aid given as one time bill credit, or ongoing credit for number of months.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Federally funded heating and cooling assistance program.
- Some states use LIHEAP funds for water assistance.
- LIHEAP emergency crisis funding can help restore water service or prevent disconnection.
Check with your state or county social services office to learn about availability of LIHWAP, LIHEAP, and any other state or local water assistance in your area.
Non-Profit Organizations
Along with government programs, many non-profit and community organizations offer water bill help. Here are some to check with:
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United Way – Call 2-1-1 hotline or visit 211.org to find local United Way water assistance.
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Salvation Army – Offers emergency financial aid for bills through local Corps community centers.
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Catholic Charities – Emergency basic needs assistance programs help pay utility bills.
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St. Vincent De Paul – Parish conferences across the U.S. provide urgent water bill help.
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Local churches – Many churches offer benevolence funds to help pay bills.
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Community action agencies – Help low income residents apply for bill payment assistance programs.
Search online for non-profits and “water assistance” or “utility assistance” in your area. Check their websites for application criteria.
Tips for Seeking Help Paying Water Bill
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Act quickly – Do not wait until you receive a shut off notice. The earlier you seek help, the more options you will have.
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Prioritize – Pay the water bill before other debts, as loss of water service creates health risks.
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Call 2-1-1 – United Way operators connect people with local assistance programs.
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Gather documents – Have ID, income verification, and water bills ready when applying for aid.
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Apply annually – Re-apply for programs each year you qualify for ongoing help.
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Conserve water – Take steps to reduce water usage and lower bills.
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Ask for adjustments – If your bill seems exceptionally high, request a review for possible leaks, errors, etc.
Having access to water is critical. If you cannot afford the cost, be proactive and persistent in seeking assistance. There are resources in most communities to help keep vulnerable families’ taps flowing.
Help Paying Your Water Bill Campaign
FAQ
What is the New Mexico water assistance fund?
The LIHWAP program, which is backed by the federal government, gives up to $1,500 in one-time help for bills that were due at any time.
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 Maryland water program?
Dollar Energy Fund runs the Maryland American Water Hardship Program, which helps eligible utility customers pay their Maryland American Water bills.
What is the Colorado water assistance program?
This program helps communities that qualify get ready for or recover from an emergency that could affect their access to safe, clean drinking water.
How do I get help paying my water bill?
Help will come in the form of either a free government grant to pay off a past-due water bill or a credit on your account. There is also money from the government to help pay a water deposit to turn service back on. All funds are paid directly to the water or sewer company.
Do you pay for your own water bill?
You have to say “Yes” to the question “Do you pay your own water bill?” in order to be eligible for LIHWAP. Click the Submit button to complete the Program Qualifications card questions. Click the Get Started button on the Applicant Household Details. Complete the Contact Details and Address questions.
Who can help pay water costs?
A lot of the time, money from groups like Catholic Charities or the Salvation Army that can help pay for water bills will go to families in need or people who are at risk, like the elderly or families with young children. Read more on various charity organizations.
Where can I find information about water bill assistance?
This resource is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Benefits. gov: Visit www. benefits. gov to find out about other government benefit programs for which you might be eligible. Check out this Water Assistance Resources (PDF) guide to learn how to ask for help with your water bill in your area.
Who can help with a sewer or water bill?
Funds are limited, with assistance provided to low-income families, the unemployed and people with no money. Even though it doesn’t happen very often, the Salvation Army, Saint Vincent DePaul, or Catholic Charities may be able to help you pay your water or sewer bill in an emergency.
What is emergency water bill help?
Help with emergency water bills is mostly for seniors, disabled people, and low-income families who have been shut off. 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.
