On January 4, 2022, LIHWAP opened in Pennsylvania to relieve water and wastewater unaffordability amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. This temporary federal emergency grant program:

• Restored water and wastewater service to 760 homes;
• Prevented 10,200 families from having their water and wastewater services disconnected; and
• Served over 38,000 Pennsylvania families in total.

By October 2022, the $43.2 million LIHWAP budget was fully spent and the program ended, with no plans or promises of ongoing funding.  When the federal government reallocated unspent LIHWAP funds from other states, Pennsylvania was first in line – and will receive approximately $5 million in additional funds to temporarily reopen the program!

Starting Monday, July 10, the program will begin accepting new applications. 

Eligibility:

1. Income at/below 150% FPL (Federal Poverty Level)
2. Past due water or wastewater bill, termination notice, or service is off
3. Responsible for paying water or wastewater
   • Renters are eligible if:
     1.  they are responsible for the water or wastewater service and
     2. the account with the utility is past due – even if the bill is in the landlord’s name.
   • No direct grants to landlords
4. No prior grant for the same service (water/wastewater)
5. Water/wastewater provider has agreed to participate

Benefit:
Grants up to $2,500 for water and $2,500 for wastewater to pay past due debts.

Program application recently extended until  August 18.

LEARN MORE
APPLY NOW

LIHWAP_English

LIHWAP_Spanish