A federally funded low-income water assistance program may be what many in Mexico need during these times. This program aims to provide a one-time grant of up to $750 for low-income customers …
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A federally funded low-income water assistance program may be what many in Mexico need during these times. This program aims to provide a one-time grant of up to $750 for low-income customers in need of assistance with their water and sewer bills.
“We’ve seen only 1,100 customers statewide take advantage of this program,” Samantha Williams, External Affairs Manager for Missouri American Water, said. “We know that budgets are tight and want to help.”
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a temporary, federally funded emergency program that helps low-income customers pay for their water and wastewater bills and will run through September of 2023.
The State of Missouri received roughly $22 million from the federal government for this program.
“We know that a water bill is not the only bill that families need to pay, and sometimes customers need assistance,” said Rich Svindland, president of Missouri American Water. “We encourage our customers to utilize the temporary federal funds made available through LIHWAP.”
Missouri American Water serves more than a quarter of Missourians yet has seen less than 1,200 people utilize the program statewide, according to officials.
The program is administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services (MO DSS).
The LIHAP focuses on, customers who need assistance and can get up to $750 in a one-time grant and can assist with:
•Disconnection or reconnection feeds
•Threat of disconnection
•Past dues and current bills
To apply for a grant contact a local community action agency or visit Missouri Department of Social Service’s website at mydss.mo.gov/utility-
Customers must provide documentation of current or delinquent water or wastewater bills while applying.
To be eligible, all household members currently qualify for TANF or SNAP benefits, but still must apply for the program.
One may be eligible for LIHWAP funds if:
One is responsible for paying a water or sewer bill
All household members are U.S. citizens (or have been legally admitted for permanent residence)
One has $3,000 or less in your bank accounts and retirement and investment account
Family-size eligibility guidelines are as follows (
Household Size/Monthly Income):
1-$0 – $2,211
2-$0 – $2,891
3-$0 – $3,571
4-$0 – $4,252
5-$0 – $4,932
6-$0 – $5,612
7-$0 – $5,740
8-$0 – $5,868
Missouri American Water also offers budget billing regardless of income and enhanced installment plans for those experiencing financial hardships.
“LIHWAP is an important program because it can help low-income families who may be behind on bills get caught up,” Williams said.
