CURRENT NEWS
LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLD WATER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
2/10/22
In conjuction with the Mississippi Department of Human Services and Lift, Inc., Taylor Water has partnered with Lift, Inc. to provide assistance to eligible low-income households to pay home water costs. LIHWAP (Low Income Household Water Assistance Program) is available for individuals and families who need assistance paying a current bill, have past-due water bills, had their service terminated, or received a notice indicating that their service will be terminated in the next 60 days. The funding is issued directly to the utility providers in support of families who meet income requirements. To apply for assistance, you will need to contact Lift, Inc. at 181 Hwy 6 East Oxford, MS, Ph: (662) 238-6222, Taylor Water Association does not administer this program, you will need to contact Lift, Inc. directly for assistance. Below are a list of FAQs:
What is the LIHWAP Low Income Household Water Assistance Program?
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic that has affected the United States and caused a tremendous financial burden on many American households, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), through the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act, has awarded LIHWAP funding to states to provide assistance to eligible households to relieve their burden of water/wastewater costs to ensure families have adequate water.
What services can be paid on behalf of eligible households?
Water bills
Wastewater/sewer bills
Stormwater fees
Groundwater fees
Reconnection fees
Late fees
Lien removal fees (water-related)
Who is eligible for LIHWAP Low Income Household Water Assistance Program?
If you and your family qualify for LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, you will also be eligible for LIHWAP Low Income Household Water Assistance Program. Your household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income to qualify for these programs.
LIHWAP Household Priority Groups
There are three (3) priority groups for this program:
1. Households with disconnected water services;
2. Households with pending disconnections of water services (disconnect notice); and
3. Households needing assistance with current water bills (no disconnect notice).
Even if you have not received government assistance to pay your bills before, it is important to note that you may still be eligible for this program
How do I get help from LIHWAP Low Income Household Water Assistance Program?
Individuals interested in applying for the LIHWAP should contact their local community action agency/human resource agency for an appointment. Items needed to determine eligibility: Proof of income, photo ID for household members over 18, Social Security numbers for all household members, and water bill (must be in the name of the applicant or spouse).
What is the maximum amount a family may receive for LIHWAP assistance?
Lowest income Mississippians can receive up to $1500. Dependent on household size and income. People with bills in arrears can receive the entire past due amount.
How much money did the state receive for this program?
$13 million to run through September 2023
Is the program a one-time program, or are there plans to continue the program in subsequent years?
LIHWAP is funded by ARPA and will end in September of 2023
How many times per year may a family or individual receive assistance?
There is no cap on the number of times a recipient may utilize the program. Eligible families can be served more than once. The Community Services Division and the Community Action Agencies have created a benefits matrix to determine the amount they can receive during the year on a case-by-case basis. Please complete an application to determine the amount, frequency, and other eligibility issues.
Individuals interested in applying for the LIHWAP should contact their local community action agency/human resource agency for an appointment. Items needed to determine eligibility: Proof of income, photo ID for household members over 18, Social Security numbers for all household members, and water bill (must be in the name of the applicant or spouse).
2/10/22
In conjuction with the Mississippi Department of Human Services and Lift, Inc., Taylor Water has partnered with Lift, Inc. to provide assistance to eligible low-income households to pay home water costs. LIHWAP (Low Income Household Water Assistance Program) is available for individuals and families who need assistance paying a current bill, have past-due water bills, had their service terminated, or received a notice indicating that their service will be terminated in the next 60 days. The funding is issued directly to the utility providers in support of families who meet income requirements. To apply for assistance, you will need to contact Lift, Inc. at 181 Hwy 6 East Oxford, MS, Ph: (662) 238-6222, Taylor Water Association does not administer this program, you will need to contact Lift, Inc. directly for assistance. Below are a list of FAQs:
What is the LIHWAP Low Income Household Water Assistance Program?
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic that has affected the United States and caused a tremendous financial burden on many American households, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), through the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act, has awarded LIHWAP funding to states to provide assistance to eligible households to relieve their burden of water/wastewater costs to ensure families have adequate water.
What services can be paid on behalf of eligible households?
Water bills
Wastewater/sewer bills
Stormwater fees
Groundwater fees
Reconnection fees
Late fees
Lien removal fees (water-related)
Who is eligible for LIHWAP Low Income Household Water Assistance Program?
If you and your family qualify for LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, you will also be eligible for LIHWAP Low Income Household Water Assistance Program. Your household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income to qualify for these programs.
LIHWAP Household Priority Groups
There are three (3) priority groups for this program:
1. Households with disconnected water services;
2. Households with pending disconnections of water services (disconnect notice); and
3. Households needing assistance with current water bills (no disconnect notice).
Even if you have not received government assistance to pay your bills before, it is important to note that you may still be eligible for this program
How do I get help from LIHWAP Low Income Household Water Assistance Program?
Individuals interested in applying for the LIHWAP should contact their local community action agency/human resource agency for an appointment. Items needed to determine eligibility: Proof of income, photo ID for household members over 18, Social Security numbers for all household members, and water bill (must be in the name of the applicant or spouse).
What is the maximum amount a family may receive for LIHWAP assistance?
Lowest income Mississippians can receive up to $1500. Dependent on household size and income. People with bills in arrears can receive the entire past due amount.
How much money did the state receive for this program?
$13 million to run through September 2023
Is the program a one-time program, or are there plans to continue the program in subsequent years?
LIHWAP is funded by ARPA and will end in September of 2023
How many times per year may a family or individual receive assistance?
There is no cap on the number of times a recipient may utilize the program. Eligible families can be served more than once. The Community Services Division and the Community Action Agencies have created a benefits matrix to determine the amount they can receive during the year on a case-by-case basis. Please complete an application to determine the amount, frequency, and other eligibility issues.
Individuals interested in applying for the LIHWAP should contact their local community action agency/human resource agency for an appointment. Items needed to determine eligibility: Proof of income, photo ID for household members over 18, Social Security numbers for all household members, and water bill (must be in the name of the applicant or spouse).