This is the main contact for the LIHWAP program in New York State. You can download an application for LIHWAP water bill payment assistance on the website listed.
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) helps low income households pay the cost of water and sewer services. The program can assist households who have past due bills (arrears) for water and/or sewer services.
Benefits
LIHWAP is a benefit based on the actual amount of water and/or sewer arrears, up to a maximum of $2,500 per water or sewer provider, or $5,000 if water and sewer services are combined, per applicant household. Benefits are paid directly to the household's water and/or sewer vendor(s).
In order to qualify for LIHWAP you must meet the following criteria:
New York has not published specific income guidelines for the LIHWAP program. Below are multiple percentages in the Federal Poverty Level. Federally funded programs, including LIHWAP, use a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level as the income criteria for program participation. In order to qualify for LIHWAP please contact your local provider to inquire what percentage applies in your state.
| # of Persons in Household | 2023 Federal Poverty Level for the 48 Contiguous States (Annual Income) | ||||||
| 100% | 133% | 138% | 150% | 200% | 300% | 400% | |
| 1 | $14,580 | $19,391 | $20,120 | $21,870 | $29,160 | $40,770 | $58,320 |
| 2 | $19,720 | $26,228 | $27,214 | $29,580 | $39,440 | $59,160 | $78,880 |
| 3 | $24,860 | $33,064 | $34,307 | $37,290 | $49,720 | $74,580 | $99,440 |
| 4 | $30,000 | $39,000 | $41,400 | $45,000 | $60,000 | $90,000 | $120,000 |
| 5 | $35,140 | $46,760 | $48,493 | $52,700 | $70,280 | $105,420 | $140,560 |
