LIHWAP: A Primer for the Community Action Network

LIHWAP funds may be used to:

• reduce arrearages;
• reduce rates;
• restore services; or
• prevent the disconnection of drinking and wastewater services for eligible households

(For help defining each type of cost, see the Model State Plan Definitions). Balances and fees paid to the public utility should be standard and consistent with the existing and ongoing business practices of the water utility (rather than a special fee charged to LIHWAP households). Funds may also be used for Administrative or Outreach and Intake/Eligibility Costs, up to a percentage cap set by the LIHWAP State plan.

This resource is part of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Legal Training and Technical Assistance Center. It was created by CAPLAW in the performance of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services, Cooperative Agreement Award Number 90ET0482-02. Any opinion, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.