Aqua PA urges customers to apply for assistance with water, sewer bills

Aqua Pennsylvania is promoting the rollout of the 2021 Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) with the goal of helping families that are experiencing hardship with their water bills.

LIHWAP is a new, temporary emergency water and wastewater assistance program created by the federal government to assist low-income households with their drinking water and wastewater bills, particularly those who have experienced financial difficulties. Funding is available for use through September 2023, or until the funds run out.

Pennsylvania homeowners or renters may be eligible to receive LIHWAP benefits if their household income does not exceed the state’s 2021-2022 income guidelines. Customers are encouraged to visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website for detailed information on the program, eligibility requirements and application instructions.

“Our mission is to provide Pennsylvania residents with safe and affordable access to drinking water and wastewater,” said Rita Black, Director of Community Assistance Programs at Essential Utilities. “Now more than ever, we recognize the importance of supporting families experiencing hardship with their water utility payments and we hope that anyone with limited income will take time to learn about LIHWAP, LIHEAP and other locally available assistance programs.”

Pennsylvania residents who participate or have family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as SNAP, SSI and TANF automatically meet the state’s eligibility requirements. All qualifying state residents can visit Pennsylvania’s Compass website to apply for water assistance.

Aqua Pennsylvania wants to assist customers in need of financial support. Visit DHS.PA.GOV to learn more about LIHWAP and other programs that can help with utility bills.

Aqua Pennsylvania serves about 1.4 million people in 32 counties across Pennsylvania.