Who Can Help Me Pay My Water Bill? A Guide to Assistance Programs

Having trouble paying your water bill? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans struggle to keep up with the rising costs of this basic necessity. If you’ve received a shut off notice or just can’t afford your monthly water and sewer expenses, there are resources that may be able to help.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain who may be able to assist you with paying your water utility bills and how to access help

Government Assistance for Water Bills

Several government programs provide financial assistance for water bills to qualifying households across the US,

LIHWAP

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income families pay water and wastewater bills LIHWAP operates similar to LIHEAP which provides help with heating bills

LIHWAP grants are distributed to states, tribes, and territories who then administer the funding locally through community agencies. The program provides one-time payments directly to utility companies to help cover past due bills or ongoing costs.

To qualify for LIHWAP, your household income must be below a certain threshold, such as 150% of the federal poverty level. You’ll need to apply through your local LIHWAP agency.

State and Local Programs

A lot of states, counties, and cities have their own water assistance programs for residents. These programs are usually paid for by tax money and utility fees. These can include:

• Direct financial aid for water bills
• Payment plans
• Bill discounts
• Water conservation programs

Check with your state or local social services department to find out what’s available in your area. Local non-profit community action agencies often help administer these resources.

Tribal Programs

You may be able to get help from your tribal government with your water and sewer bills if you live on tribal land. Reach out to your tribal administration office to learn more.

Utility Company Bill Assistance

Many water and sewer utilities run their own assistance programs for customers who are struggling to pay their bills. These can include:

• Deferred or reduced payment plans
• Bill discounts for seniors or low-income households
• Flexible due dates
• Forgiveness of overdue balances
• Water conservation audits to reduce usage/costs

Contact your local water company directly to ask what bill help they offer. Explain your financial hardship and request information on any assistance programs.

Non-profit utilities may have more generous assistance than for-profit companies. But it’s still worth inquiring with your provider.

Charitable Assistance for Water Bills

If you’re facing disconnection of your water service, charities may be able to provide emergency financial assistance. Sources to check with include:

• Your local Salvation Army chapter
• Area churches and faith-based charities
• St. Vincent de Paul Society
• Catholic Charities
• United Way

Funds are limited and prioritized for urgent needs like preventing shut-offs. The charity will likely request income verification and a shut off notice.

Non-profit community action agencies also sometimes have funds to help cover water bills. Dial 2-1-1 to find local agencies.

Borrowing Money to Pay Water Bills

If you’re waiting for payday or government assistance, borrowing money may help bridge the gap:

• Payday loans – High interest but fast cash.
• Advances from employer – Some companies offer pay advances.
• Credit cards – Can withdraw cash advance.
• Family/friends – Ask loved ones for a loan.
• Customer assistance funds – Some utility companies have loan funds.

Only borrow as a last resort and compare rates carefully. Avoid options with excessive fees or interest.

Apply for Financial Hardship Programs

Many organizations offer financial assistance if you can demonstrate need:

• SNAP – May qualify for emergency SNAP funds.
• TANF – Temporary income for families with children.
• SSI – Disability income helps cover bills.
• Unemployment – If you lost your job and need help.
• 211 – Hotline to find local assistance programs.

To show need, gather shut-off notices, overdue bills, pay stubs, and other records. Be ready to explain your situation and advocate for yourself.

Seek Help from Health Providers

If you or a family member has a medical condition impacted by loss of water access, your healthcare providers may be able to help:

• Doctors – They can write letters advocating for uninterrupted service.
• Social workers – Help connect you to financial resources.
• State health department – Has programs for medical hardships.
• Medicaid – May cover some utility costs in emergencies.

Get documentation from your doctor explaining how lack of water affects your health. Share this with utility providers and assistance programs.

Negotiate with Your Water Company

Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and explain your situation to your water company. Customer service reps can inform you of assistance options and may be able to negotiate:

• Payment plans – Set up installments for what you owe.
• Extensions – Request additional time before shut off.
• Reduced rates – Ask about discounts for financial hardship.
• Fee waivers – See if they’ll waive late fees or reconnection fees.
• Conservation tips – Ask how to lower your monthly water usage.

Polite persistence and an attitude of working together goes a long way. Document all conversations and agreements in writing.

Modify Your Housing Situation

As a last resort, you may need to consider changing your housing arrangements to reduce costs:

• Downsize – Move to a smaller living space.
• Roommates – Split costs with housemates.
• Rent relief – Ask landlord for reduced rent.
• Sublet – Rent out rooms to offset costs.
• Relocate – Find cheaper housing.

Ideally, you can avoid high costs of moving. But living beyond your means will lead to ongoing utility debt.

Don’t Lose Hope!

It can be stressful and embarrassing to ask for help paying bills. But water is a basic necessity for health and sanitation. There are many public and private assistance programs available, so don’t be ashamed to reach out.

With a proactive approach and patience, you can work with local non-profits, the government, your utility company and other organizations to find a solution. No one should have to go without running water or deal with the health hazards of shut offs. Don’t give up hope – help is out there!