The Maryland Department of Human Services recently launched a program to ensure low-income Marylanders have access to affordable, clean, and safe drinking water and wastewater services.
Last week the Maryland Department of Human Services announced it had launched a new program designed to help Marylanders offset the costs of water and wastewater bills. The federally-funded Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) offers eligible households up to $2,000 in assistance, focusing on those Maryland households whose drinking water and wastewater bills are at least 30 days past due.
According to the press release:
“No family or child should go without access to water because of challenges paying bills,” said Department of Human Services Secretary, Lourdes R. Padilla. “With the launch of the new water assistance program, Maryland is expanding access to more affordable water for low-income households.”
Administered by the Department’s Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP), the program will help low-income households pay their water and wastewater bills, avoid shutoffs, and support household water system reconnections related to non-payment. Funding is limited, and applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and will continue until federal funds are exhausted. Depending on income and specific needs, applicants may qualify for the following assistance:
- Reconnect Household Water/Wastewater Services – If the household’s water/wastewater services have been disconnected because of past-due water bills, grant funds may be available to pay off the balance, including fees to reconnect household water services.
- Prevent Disconnection of Household Water/Wastewater Services – If the household has received a notice that your water/wastewater services will be disconnected due to a past overdue balance, grant funds may be available to pay all or part of your bill.
- Reduce Current Household Water/Wastewater Past Due Balance – If the household is struggling to afford your current water bills and meet other household needs, the household may qualify for temporary assistance to pay some or all of your current water bills.