LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLD WATER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHWAP)

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a temporary emergency program administered by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources to help low-income families pay overdue water and wastewater bills. LIHWAP is a grant. You do not have to repay it.

How does LIHWAP work?
LIHWAP grants may be available if you have an emergency situation and are in jeopardy of losing your utility service. You can receive one crisis grant for your drinking water service and one grant for your wastewater service, totaling up to $1,000.
The current program will close on September 30, 2023.

Crisis situations include:

• Past-due water and/or wastewater bills.
• Termination of utility service.
• Danger of having utility service terminated (received a notice of termination).

Who is eligible?

• If you have an overdue water and/or wastewater bill that you are responsible for paying.
• You don’t have to be on public assistance.
• You can rent or own your home.
• Regardless of your bill status, if your household income meets the following income guidelines:

*For each additional person, add $567. Households whose income exceeds the maximum amount are not eligible; however, some types of income may be excluded for LIHWAP. Social Security and Veterans income will be excluded for the current LIHWAP application period.*

How do I apply?
Applications are available at local West Virginia DHHR offices. The application process requires a face-to-face interview with a caseworker for approval. A list of local West Virginia DHHR offices may be found here or by calling 304-352-4431.

If you are eligible, don’t wait to apply. Available funding is limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.