Indian River County LIHWAP Water Bill Assistance Vero Beach

About this LIHWAP program in Vero Beach, FL

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally funded program that helps income-qualified families with water and wastewater costs. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has been chosen as the administrator of LIHWAP.

The primary goal of LIHWAP is to retain continuity of water services to low-income households in Florida with an emphasis on prevention of disconnection and restoration of water services to households whose water services were previously disconnected.
    In your county, you may be able to apply for assistance multiple times until the maximum award benefit cap is reached for your account.
    Water or wastewater services not provided by a utility provider are not eligible for assistance through the LIHWAP program. Please reach out to your LIHWAP provider to inquire about possible assistance through the Community Services Block Grant program.
    Your local LIHWAP provider makes the payments directly to your water utility company on your behalf.

Indian River County residents can apply for water assistance with the Economic Opportunities Council by:

Calling 772-562-4177 to speak with Community Services Specialist (8:00am – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday)

Picking up a paper application from the drop box outside of our locations (available 24/7)

    EOC Administrative Office – 2455 St. Lucie Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960
    Northside Head Start Center – 1798 NW 9th Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34972

To meet the criteria for this grant-funded assistance program, you must:

    Be a resident of Indian River County or Okeechobee County
    Have a household income of 150% FPL or less
    Be able to provide the following documents:

    ID card (for everyone in the household, ages 18+)
    Social Security Card (for everyone in the household)
    Proof of all income for the past 30 days (for everyone in the household)
    Proof of Address (Lease/Rental Agreement, Mortgage)
    Food Stamp Award Letter (only if you get these benefits)
    Water Bill

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally funded program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to assist income-eligible families with water and wastewater costs.


Who is Eligible?

You may be eligible if you meet the following requirements:

    Have a total income no more than 60 percent of the Florida State Median Income (SMI);
    Are responsible for paying your home water or wastewater bills;
    Are a resident of Florida; and
    Are a U.S. citizen, qualified alien, or permanent resident of the U.S.