Eligibility for LIHWAP services can vary depending on income, water system participation, place of residence, and other factors. Households whose utility payments are included in their rent may also be eligible for LIHWAP.
LIHWAP provides one-time payments to low-income households that are eligible for assistance. The size of a benefit can vary depending on the past due balance of the household’s residential water and wastewater bills. In addition, program participation is limited to households receiving services from water and wastewater providers enrolled in LIHWAP to receive the payment of assistance benefits.
Households that qualify for LIHWAP could reduce their water or wastewater charges, or both if their bills include both services, by up to $2,000.
LIHWAP funds are issued and administered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which also federally administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHWAP closely models LIHEAP, utilizing the existing Community Action Network in addition to the current LIHEAP policies, processes, and procedures.
In order to qualify for LIHWAP you must meet the following criteria:
Georgia has not published specific income guidelines for the LIHWAP program. Below are multiple percentages in the Federal Poverty Level. Federally funded programs, including LIHWAP, use a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level as the income criteria for program participation. In order to qualify for LIHWAP please contact your local provider to inquire what percentage applies in your state.
| # of Persons in Household | 2023 Federal Poverty Level for the 48 Contiguous States (Annual Income) | ||||||
| 100% | 133% | 138% | 150% | 200% | 300% | 400% | |
| 1 | $14,580 | $19,391 | $20,120 | $21,870 | $29,160 | $40,770 | $58,320 |
| 2 | $19,720 | $26,228 | $27,214 | $29,580 | $39,440 | $59,160 | $78,880 |
| 3 | $24,860 | $33,064 | $34,307 | $37,290 | $49,720 | $74,580 | $99,440 |
| 4 | $30,000 | $39,000 | $41,400 | $45,000 | $60,000 | $90,000 | $120,000 |
| 5 | $35,140 | $46,760 | $48,493 | $52,700 | $70,280 | $105,420 | $140,560 |
