Easy way to remember this page: www.FloridaJobs.org/LIHWAP
The application for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program is now available.
Program Overview
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally funded program that helps income-qualified families with water and wastewater costs. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has been chosen as the administrator of LIHWAP from June 1, 2021 - September 30, 2023, for the state of Florida.
LIHWAP funds are issued and administered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which also federally administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHWAP closely models LIHEAP, utilizing the existing Community Action Network in addition to the current LIHEAP policies, processes, and procedures.
LIHWAP provides much-needed relief to low-income families that spend a high proportion of their household income on water utility services. Funds will be provided directly to owners or operators of public water systems or treatment works to assist households with arrearages of and rates charged for services.
The primary goal of LIHWAP is to retain continuity of water services to low-income households in Florida with an emphasis on prevention of disconnection and restoration of water services to households whose water services were previously disconnected.
- In your county, you may be able to apply for assistance multiple times until the maximum award benefit cap is reached for your account.
- Water or wastewater services not provided by a utility provider are not eligible for assistance through the LIHWAP program. Please reach out to your LIHWAP provider to inquire about possible assistance through the Community Services Block Grant program.
- Your local LIHWAP provider makes the payments directly to your water utility company on your behalf.
DEO is the state administrator for LIHWAP and DEO's roles include:
- Distributing funding in the form of grants to local agency providers, which are either nonprofit agencies or local governments;
- Monitoring local agency providers to ensure that they administer the funding in compliance with state and federal laws and rules; and
- Providing technical assistance to local agency providers to help them comply with state and federal requirements.
Distribution of Funding
Approximately $75 million through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was allocated to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills. Eighty-five percent of Florida's $75 million in funding will be distributed through agencies who have partnered with DEO to provide assistance with the current LIHEAP program.
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Who is Eligible?
You may be eligible if you meet the following requirements:
- Have a total income no more than 60 percent of the Florida State Median Income (SMI);
- Are responsible for paying your home water or wastewater bills;
- Are a resident of Florida; and
- Are a U.S. citizen, qualified alien, or permanent resident of the U.S.
How do I Apply?
You may contact your local Community Action Agency by visiting our Community Action Agency List and calling the LIHWAP provider listed for your Florida county. You may also request an application be mailed to you by emailing LIHWAP@DEO.MyFlorida.com. A printable paper application can be found here: LIHWAP Application.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) applicants at minimum will need to provide the following documents to determine eligibility and apply for the program:
- A readable copy of the applicants’ current state issued photo identification (*driver’s license).
- Provide scanned copies of the Social Security cards for all members of your household.
- Documentation of all monthly household income (pay stubs, award letters, etc.).
- Full and complete signed LIHWAP application.
- A copy of your most recent water utility bill.
- Copy of the applicants’ lease agreement if your water utility is paid to Property Management/Landlord as part of your monthly lease or rent.
Household Income Limits
You may be eligible for help if your total household income does not exceed the household income limits listed below. The LIHWAP provider will help you determine what is included as income.
Household Income Limits By Household Size
| Household Size |
Maximum Monthly Income
|
Maximum Annual Income |
| Family of 1 |
$2,311.25 |
$27,735 |
| Family of 2 |
$3,022.41 |
$36,269 |
| Family of 3 |
$3,733.58 |
$44,803 |
| Family of 4 |
$4,444.75 |
$53,337 |
| Family of 5 |
$5,155.83 |
$61,870 |
| Family of 6 |
$5,867.00 |
$70,404 |
| Family of 7 |
$6,000.33 |
$72,004 |
| Family of 8 |
$6,133.75 |
$73,605 |
For each additional person in the household with more than 8 people, add $9,440
|
Additional Information
Please continue to check this page for updates as more details about the program become available. For more information about the program or to become a LIHWAP partner, email LIHWAP@DEO.MyFlorida.com.