LIHWAP in New York
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally funded initiative that helps low-income New Yorkers pay overdue water and wastewater bills and avoid disconnection of services. The program is administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and offers emergency financial assistance to restore or maintain access to essential water and sewer services.
Water is a basic human need, and the LIHWAP program ensures that income-eligible households can retain access to safe drinking water and sanitation services during times of financial hardship. The program is open year-round, but funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. If your household is facing a water-related emergency, it is important to apply as soon as possible.
Who Is Eligible for LIHWAP?
To qualify for LIHWAP assistance in New York State, applicants must meet the following basic requirements:
- You are a resident of New York State.
- Your household is responsible for paying for water and/or wastewater services.
- You have a past-due water or sewer bill, have received a shutoff notice, or your service has already been disconnected.
- Your household’s gross monthly income falls within the LIHWAP income guidelines. For instance, a family of four may qualify if the gross income is approximately $5,838/month or less (2024 estimate).
- Your water/wastewater provider participates in the LIHWAP program.
In addition to income, you may qualify automatically if any household member receives benefits from another public assistance program such as HEAP, SNAP (food stamps), Temporary Assistance (TA), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Renters who are directly responsible for water bills (i.e., not included in rent) are also eligible to apply. Landlords are not permitted to apply on behalf of tenants, but they may be required to verify utility balances or account status.
What Types of Emergencies Does LIHWAP Cover?
LIHWAP provides assistance for various water-related emergencies, including:
- Shutoff of drinking water or sewer service
- Pending disconnection due to non-payment
- Ongoing water/wastewater arrears that threaten continued service
- Combined water and sewer balances owed to a provider
The program can cover the full amount of the past-due balance, depending on the applicant’s need and the amount of funding available. In most cases, the payment is made directly to the water or sewer vendor to resolve the emergency and reinstate service if it was disconnected.
Benefit Amounts
Unlike regular utility assistance programs, LIHWAP does not provide a flat benefit. Instead, the benefit is calculated based on the actual past-due balance owed on a household’s water or wastewater account. Typical scenarios include:
| Situation | Potential Benefit |
|---|---|
| Disconnected service (water or sewer) | Full amount needed to reconnect |
| Shutoff notice received | Full past-due balance to prevent disconnection |
| Past-due account with no shutoff notice | Partial or full payment depending on need |
| Combined water and sewer debt | May cover both services if provider participates |
Each household may receive one benefit per utility type (water and/or wastewater) per program year, unless additional emergency funds are made available by OTDA.
How to Apply
There are multiple ways to apply for LIHWAP in New York:
- Online: Apply through the state’s online benefits portal: myBenefits NY.
- In Person: Visit your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office. Use the DSS office directory to find your county contact.
- By Phone: Call your local HEAP or LIHWAP contact line. In New York City, dial 718-557-1399.
There is no fee to apply, and you do not need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify. Immigration status does not affect LIHWAP eligibility.
What You Need to Apply
To complete your LIHWAP application, you will need to provide the following documentation:
- Proof of identity for all household members
- Social Security numbers or other identification
- Proof of residence (lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement)
- Water and/or sewer bill showing past-due amount or shutoff status
- Proof of household income for the last 30 days
- Documentation of public assistance benefits (if applicable)
Submitting complete documentation will help speed up the review process. Payments are typically issued directly to the water or wastewater utility company.
When to Apply
LIHWAP is available on a rolling basis throughout the year, depending on federal funding availability. You should apply as soon as your account becomes overdue or you receive a shutoff notice. Once the program runs out of funds, applications are no longer accepted until additional funding is secured.
If your utility provider is not currently enrolled in the LIHWAP program, they may be contacted by OTDA or your local DSS to complete a vendor agreement form before payment can be issued.
More Information
For more information about LIHWAP or to check your application status, use these official resources:
Water is essential to health, hygiene, and safety. LIHWAP can help prevent service loss and ensure your household has the resources to maintain uninterrupted water access. Apply early and reach out to your local DSS if you need help completing the application.