Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

Published on April 24, 2023

If you’re behind on your water bills, help is on the way! Cal Water encourages you to apply for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). LIHWAP is a federally-funded program that offers a one-time benefit of up to $15,000 per eligible household for past due or current bills.

LIHWAP helps pay residential water bills accrued anytime. There are no date restrictions.

Eligibility is based on income, place of residence, and other factors.

The program may potentially expire by the end of the year, so Cal Water encourage eligible customers to apply now to get the help they need.

Recipients of CalFresh, CalWORKS, and LIHEAP are automatically income qualified for LIHWAP assistance.

Renters: If your water and/or wastewater bill is included in your rental payment you may still qualify for LIHWAP if you are past due on rent. The application will require an additional step: You must complete an agreement with your landlord to apply the benefit amount.

In California, you may qualify for LIHWAP assistance if your household gross income is at or below 60% of the State Median Income.

To apply for LIHWAP funds, submit applications through local, community-based organizations listed by county on csd.ca.gov/Pages/LIHWAP.aspx.