Low Income Household Water Assistance Program

LIHWAP is a national program established by Congress under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 to help families experiencing financial hardship.
Posted on: May 26, 2023 - 9:43am

Time is running out to take advantage of LIHWAP – the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program for water and sewer bills! Vermont is predicting we will have to send $600,000 back to the federal government based on current participation rates. The remaining funds need to be spent by September 30, 2023. 

Eligible households are those with gross household income below 60% of the state median income based on household size (see the Income Guidelines Table). Priority will be given to households whose water/wastewater has been disconnected or is at risk of being disconnected. Any overdue bill is eligible, regardless of date. In certain circumstances, customers can also apply for a one-time future payment. Note that even though the program runs for 2 years, a customer can only receive payment once.

Payments will be made directly to water and wastewater utilities. Customers can download/print the application at https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/hwa