Low Income Household Water Assistance Program
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) – is a federally funded program designed to help income-eligible Lucas County residents with their drinking water and wastewater bills. Eligible clients are those at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG), who have been disconnected (or have a disconnection notice), or either need to establish new service, or pay to transfer service. Clients with a current medical certificate on file with their utility are ineligible to receive LIHWAP assistance until the medical certificate protection expires.
The maximum benefit amounts for the 2022-2023 program year are up to $1,500 for clients with combined wastewater and drinking water utilities. Up to $750 for clients of wastewater utilities and up to $750 for clients of drinking water utilities.
How do I apply?
Who is eligible for LIHWAP?
Lucas County residents with a household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
A household applying for LIHWAP must report total gross household income for the past 30 days (12 months preferred) for all members over the age of 18. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for assistance.
For 2022-2023, the income levels are:
A household applying for LIHWAP must report total gross household income for the past 30 days (12 months preferred) for all members over the age of 18. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for assistance.
For 2022-2023, the income levels are:
| Size of Household | Total Household Income 12 Months | 30-Day Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $23,782.50 | $1,954.73 |
| 2 | $32,042.50 | $2,633.63 |
| 3 | $40,302.50 | $3,312.53 |
| 4 | $48,562.50 | $3,991.44 |
| 5 | $56,822.50 | $4,670.34 |
| 6 | $65,082.50 | $5,349.25 |
| 7 | $73,342.50 | $6,028.15 |
| 8 | $81,602.50 | $6,707.05 |
For households with more than eight (8) members, add $8,260 for each additional member.
A household applying for LIHWAP must report total gross household income for the past 30 days (12 months preferred) for all members, except wage or salary income earned by dependent minors under 18 years old. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for assistance.
Documentation Needed to Apply
When applying for assistance, Ohioans will need to provide the following information:
Names of all household members
Proof of citizenship or legal residency status for all household members.
o i.e. Social Security cards, birth certificates Proof of income for all household members 18 years or older
for a minimum of the past 30 days:
o For seasonal or self-employed individuals,
please provide proof of income for 12 months Copy of current water/wastewater utility bills.
o Copayment may be required. A valid photo ID for all adults 18 years of age or older.
If renter, Lease Agreement documenting responsibility of water/wastewater usage.
All documentation is required each time you apply for services. Failure to submit required documentation could delay processing times.
o i.e. Social Security cards, birth certificates
for a minimum of the past 30 days:
o For seasonal or self-employed individuals,
please provide proof of income for 12 months
o Copayment may be required.
All documentation is required each time you apply for services. Failure to submit required documentation could delay processing times.
Additional Resources
The City of Toledo Financial Assistance
Learn more
Moving?
Contact Columbia Gas to transfer gas services; or Contact Toledo Edison to transfer electric services.
Questions, concerns or complaints regarding your utility bill?
Contact your Public Utility Commission of Ohio.
For statewide legal representative in matters related to electric, natural gas, telephone, and water services, visit The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Council.
Learn more
Moving?
Contact Columbia Gas to transfer gas services; or Contact Toledo Edison to transfer electric services.
Questions, concerns or complaints regarding your utility bill?
Contact your Public Utility Commission of Ohio.
For statewide legal representative in matters related to electric, natural gas, telephone, and water services, visit The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Council.