Low Income Household Water Assistance

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What you need to know

Access to safe and affordable drinking water and wastewater services is a fundamental element of health, safety, and well-being for households in Nebraska.

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides financial assistance to water utility providers for eligible households whose water utility services (drinking water or wastewater) are disconnected or past due. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) received federal funds from the Office of Community Services as a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act in the amount of $5,988,839 to administer LIHWAP. LIHWAP in Nebraska is 100% federally funded.

How can LIHWAP help me?

A one-time payment, per federal fiscal year (October 1 through September 30), up to $2,500 is made for eligible households to water utility providers to restore water utility services or eliminate past due balances (arrearage) for water utility services. Payments may include the standard charges and fees included in the household water bill, deposits, standard reconnection fees, penalty fees, etc. LIHWAP funds cannot be utilized for equipment repair or replacement costs.

Am I eligible for LIHWAP?

To qualify for LIHWAP, a household must:

Be responsible for water utility services;
Have disconnected water utility services or a past due balance for water utility services with a provider that has an agreement with DHHS;
Meet the LIHWAP citizenship and residency requirements;
Not be otherwise disqualified or ineligible; and,
Include an individual that has an active Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) case or household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

LIHWAP Maximum Allowable Income (October 1, 2022 - September 30, 2023)
Household Size	LIHWAP Gross Income Limit (150% of Federal Poverty Level)
1	$20,385.00
2	$27,465.00
3	$34,545.00
4	$41,625.00
5	$48,705.00
6	$55,785.00
7	$62,865.00
8	$69,945.00
* For each additional household member, add $7,080.

How can I request or apply for LIHWAP?

If your household has an active or pending Economic Assistance (EA) case, you may request LIHWAP without submitting a new application. If your household does not have an active or pending EA case, you must submit an agency approved application for LIHWAP.

Individuals can request or apply for LIHWAP:

On-line;
In-person at a Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office; or,
By calling ACCESSNebraska at the number below:

Lincoln: (402) 323-3900;
Omaha: (402) 595-1258; or,
All other Nebraska communities: Toll Free: (800) 383-4278

How can I become a participating provider to receive LIHWAP payments for my agency's eligible customers?

The following forms must be completed and submitted to DHHS via email at: dhhs.lihwapmailbox@nebraska.gov.

DHHS will send a confirmation email once forms have been received, and your agency is approved to receive LIHWAP payments.