Charlotte County Department of Human Services Water Bill Assistance LIHWAP

About this LIHWAP program in Punta Gorda, FL

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.

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.


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.