Press Release

PUC Encourages Consumers to #KeepUtilitiesOn with Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program

Published on 12/9/2021

Filed under: Consumer Education Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – As part of its #CallUtilitiesNow campaign, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reminded Pennsylvania consumers that assistance will soon be available for income-eligible families to help keep their water and wastewater service turned on through the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).

“Direct conversations between customers and utilities about eligible programs are the best ‘first step’ for any Pennsylvania households or businesses struggling to #KeepUtilitiesOn,” said PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille. “LIHWAP will assist Pennsylvania families who are behind on their drinking water and wastewater bills to ensure their service remains active.”

How to Qualify

The PUC encourages consumers to learn more about LIHWAP which opens Jan. 4, 2022. LIHWAP offers grants to eligible households that currently have a water or wastewater arrearage greater than $25 (a termination notice will not be required). The program budget allots $34.4 million for grants to pay water or wastewater utility accounts.  LIHWAP payments will be sent directly to participating water and wastewater utilities, not the household or landlord.

LIHWAP is available for any water or wastewater utility (municipal, borough, authority or private) that agrees to participate in the program. To participate, the utility must sign a vendor agreement form to agree to the terms of the program (including keeping customers on for a minimum of 90 days after receipt of a grant and restoring service within specified timeframes). 

To qualify, a household must have a:

• Gross income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Households receiving benefits from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP, in 2021-22 or 2022-23 seasons) will be considered categorically income eligible. 
• Water or wastewater account in a household member or landlord’s name.
• Water or wastewater account that is off or has an arrearage. A termination notice is not required to qualify for a LIHWAP grant, but the arrearage amount must be verified by the utility.

Program Benefits

• The LIHWAP benefit amount will be based on the amount of the household’s account arrearage with the minimum benefit amount of $25 and the maximum benefit amount of $2,500. If the account arrearage exceeds the maximum amount, the maximum amount will be paid if the utility agrees to maintain service.
• Households can qualify for only one LIHWAP grant benefit per account. If households have separate drinking water and wastewater accounts in arrears, they could receive a benefit for each account (up to $2,500 for each).
• Households can apply online using COMPASS, in person at local County Assistance Offices or via fax. Paper applications will be available on the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) website once the program opens.
• Households will be notified of eligibility decisions within 30 days and have appeal rights.

The PUC balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov