Water and Sewer Bill Assistance Program Extended

California’s Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) will remain open through March 2024. Low-income Californians are encouraged to apply today while funds last.

SACRAMENTO, CA October 17, 2023 – Low-income households in California now have until March 31, 2024, to apply for help paying current or past-due water or sewer bills after an extension of the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) urges eligible households to act now while funds last.

LIHWAP was established by Congress in December 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to help struggling low-income households pay past due and current water bills. The program was originally set to end in Fall 2023, before this latest extension by federal officials through the end of March 2024.

Through LIHWAP, thousands of low-income Californians have already received hundreds or even thousands of dollars in financial support. The program helps pay current and past-due bills.

Many Californians Already Are Income Qualified

Households with income below 60 percent of the state median, and households that include a recipient of CalFresh, CalWORKs or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), are already income qualified for LIHWAP.

Apply Now for Help Paying Water and Sewer Bills

Community-based local service providers are working with California to help low-income residents apply for LIHWAP water and sewer payments.

To learn more about the program and to find your local service provider, visit https://www.csd.ca.gov/WaterBill.