The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally-funded program that provides emergency assistance to low-income households, particularly those with the lowest incomes, that pay a high proportion of household income for drinking water and wastewater services.
LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program that helps eligible households afford water and wastewater services. Payments are made directly to the households utility company. Households can apply for LIHWAP through September 30, 2023 or until funds run out.
Apply online at epass.nc.gov.
The State of North Carolina started accepting applications for LIHWAP beginning December 1, 2021 for households whose water services were disconnected or in jeopardy of disconnection. On January 3, 2022, the program was expanded to include all households that have a current water/wastewater bill and meet the eligibility requirements, whether or not their water service is disconnected. Although the program has been expanded, households that have had services disconnected or in jeopardy of disconnection will continue to have priority for LIHWAP funds.
Story credit: NC Dept. of Human Services