Low Income Household Water Assistance Program Low Income Household Water Assistance Program

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​The federal program deadline to apply for water and sewer bill assistance under the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) has passed, and the program is no longer accepting applications. 

LIHWAP is a limited-term, federally funded program that offers assistance to help low-income households pay residential water and sewer bills and manage their residential water utility costs. LIHWAP was established by Congress in December 2020, and the program sunset on March 31, 2024.

The Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) is the designated administering agency for LIHWAP in Ca​​lifornia.​

In May 2024, CSD distributed r​emaining LIHWAP water assistance funds to provide a “supplemental benefit” to eligible, previously-served LIHWAP beneficiaries.​

​Supplemental Benefit - Frequently Asked Questions

CSD distributed remaining LIHWAP water assistance funds to provide a “supplemental benefit” to eligible, previously-served LIHWAP beneficiaries.​

The LIHWAP supplemental benefit is additional, one-time financial assistance for households that previously applied for and received a LIHWAP benefit. The LIHWAP supplemental benefit is automatically applied to eligible households' water or sewer utility bills. 

Customers do NOT need to apply for a LIHWAP supplemental benefit. If you are eligible, the benefit is automatically sent to your water or sewer utility to be applied to your utility bill.

For more information about the LIHWAP supplemental benefit visit:

​LIHWAP Supplemental Benefit - Frequently Asked Questions


Participating Utilities​​

​A water or sewer utility must be enrolled in LIHWAP in order for a household to be eligible for a benefit. Many, but not all, water and sewer systems accept LIHWAP payments for past due and current bills.

To confirm if your water or sewer utility is participating in LIHWAP visit:


LIHWAP Questions?​​​

If you have questions about LIHWAP or the LIHWAP supplemental benefit please contact the CSD toll-free customer helpline at (866) 675-6623.​

Want to Learn More About LIHWAP?​​​

Learn more about the​ LIHW​AP Program
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CSD Assistance Page