Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity LIHWAP

About this LIHWAP program in Springfield, IL

This is the main location for LIHWAP contact for the State of Illinois. We provide the web address above which is the main contact for the State's Economic Opportunity programs.

The LIHWAP benefit assistance program helps households that are facing the threat of imminent disconnection, have already been disconnected or have past due (arrearage) balances over $50 for their water and wastewater services combined.

Eligibility for LIHWAP services can vary depending on income, water system participation, place of residence, and other factors. Households whose utility payments are included in their rent may also be eligible for LIHWAP.

LIHWAP provides one-time payments to low-income households that are eligible for assistance. The size of a benefit can vary depending on the past due balance of the household’s residential water and wastewater bills. In addition, program participation is limited to households receiving services from water and wastewater providers enrolled in LIHWAP to receive the payment of assistance benefits.
Households that qualify for LIHWAP could reduce their water or wastewater charges, or both if their bills include both services, by up to $2,000.


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.