OTDA Home Programs & Services Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
September 1, 2023 Important Update for LIHWAP Applicants
The application acceptance period for LIHWAP is closed. Applicants may continue to upload required documentation through waterassistance.otda.ny.gov for pending submitted applications.
In November 2023, The New York State Low Income Household Water Assistance Program paid a one-time Supplemental Rate Reduction Benefit of $415.00, directly to the water or sewer vendors of households who received a LIHWAP benefit in Federal Fiscal Year 2023. Recipients were deemed eligible for this benefit based on receipt of a LIHWAP benefit in Federal Fiscal Year 2023 and other eligibility factors provided at the time of application. It may take up to 90 days for vendors to credit accounts.
Overview
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).
Eligibility
The application acceptance period for LIHWAP is closed. Applicants may continue to upload required documentation through for pending submitted applications.
Eligibility and benefits are based on:
- Income
- Household size
- Amount owed to water and/or sewer provider(s)
Your household may be eligible for a benefit if:
- You or a member of your household are a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or qualified alien, and
- Your household's gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted in the table below, or
- You receive Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits, or
- You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or
- You receive Temporary Assistance (TA), or
- You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone), and
- You pay a vendor directly for your water and/or sewer usage, and benefits can be paid to these vendors to reduce arrearages of, and rates charged to such households for such services per the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law No: 116-260, and
- Your water, sewer, or combined water and sewer account is twenty (20) days past the due date, you have a water lien that is levied on your local property taxes, or your water, sewer, or combined water and sewer service is terminated or otherwise facing disconnection due to unpaid arrears
2022-2023 LIHWAP Monthly Income Limits
Your total household gross monthly income for your household size must be at or below the following guidelines:
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,852 |
| 2 | $3,730 |
| 3 | $4,608 |
| 4 | $5,485 |
| 5 | $6,363 |
| 6 | $7,241 |
| 7 | $7,405 |
| 8 | $7,570 |
| 9 | $7,734 |
| 10 | $7,899 |
| 11 | $8,064 |
| 12 | $8,228 |
| 13 | $8,778 |
| Each additional | Add $590 |
Apply
The application acceptance period for LIHWAP is closed. Applicants may continue to upload required documentation through waterassistance.otda.ny.gov for pending submitted applications.
Contact
For more information about LIHWAP please call the NYS LIHWAP Call Center at 1-833-690-0208 or call the toll-free OTDA Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.
Email: NYSLIHWAP@otda.ny.gov
In writing:
NYS LIHWAP
PO Box 1789
Albany, NY 12201
Fax: 518-486-1259
If you are in an Emergency
An emergency is an urgent need or situation that has to be taken care of right away.
An example of an emergency is:
- Your water and/or sewer is shut-off or is about to be shut-off, or you have a 72-hour disconnect notice
- You are encouraged not to wait until your water is shut off
If you are experiencing a water and/or sewer emergency, you may be eligible for Temporary Assistance. You may apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov or fill out the application form and file it at your Local Department of Social Services.
You may also contact your Local Department of Social Services online, or by calling the toll-free OTDA Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.
You are encouraged to contact and make arrangements with your water and/or sewer provider to discuss payment options. Some options may be a repayment or deferred payment agreement. There may also be local water and/or sewer assistance funds available.
Consumer Protections
- Home Energy Fair Practices Act
- 16 NYCRR Chapter 5, Part 14 - Rules Governing the Provision of Service by Certain Water Corporations and Residential Customers
- Notice of Updated Department of Public Service Guidance to Municipal Water Providers Relating to Service Disconnections, Liens, and Deferred Payment Agreements – issued December 17, 2021
- DPS Details Consumer Rights, Protections and Programs to Help Pay Utility Bills and Avoid Shutoffs – Updated Guidance on Consumer Protections for Customers Unable to Pay Utility Bills – December 20, 2021 Press Release