Water/Energy Assistance Program

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally-funded program that provides emergency assistance to low-income households for drinking water and wastewater services.

  • LIHWAP is a temporary and seasonal emergency program that helps eligible households afford water and wastewater services.  
  • Payments are made directly to the utility company.  
  • Households can apply for LIHWAP through September 30, 2023, or until funds run out.
  • Households that have had services disconnected or are in jeopardy of disconnection will continue to have priority funding.

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR LIHWAP ASSISTANCE

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for LIHWAP, a household must have at least one U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen and: 

  • Have income equal to or less than 150% of the federal poverty level (see chart)
  • Have household services that are disconnected, in jeopardy of disconnection, or have a current outstanding bill
  • Be responsible for the water bill

Households can apply through September 30, 2023, or until funds run out.

2022 Annual Federal Poverty Income Levels

2022 Annual Federal Income Poverty Levels image

2022 Monthly Federal Poverty Income Levels

2022 Monthly Federal Income Poverty Level image

Low Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP)

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally-funded program that provides a one-time payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.

Eligibility

Households including a person aged 60 or older or disabled persons receiving services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible to sign up for assistance from Dec. 1 – 31.  

All other households may apply from Jan. 1 – to March 31 or until funds are exhausted.

Households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

  • Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
  • Meet an income test-Based on 130% of Federal Poverty (See chart) 
  • Have reserves at or below $2,250.
  • Be responsible for heating costs.


Apply

Contact the Richmond County Department of Social Services at  (910)997-8400


Requirements for the program: 


Eligibility RequirementWhat's NeededHow Often
IdentityID, Contact with someone knowledgeable of your situation.At application
AddressLease, rental agreement, any other shelter expenses, contact with someone knowledgeable of your situation.At application or situation, if moving
Citizenship/ Alien StatusVerification of citizenship/alien status via Immigration and Naturalization Service.At application
Social Security NumberValid social security card or number.At application
Earned Income: Wages/Self-EmploymentWage stubs, tax forms contacting employer.At application
Unearned Income: Public Benefits/ Private Retirement Benefits/Trust, etc.Documents from provider, award letter.At application
Assets/ResourcesOwnership and tax records - bank and court documents.At application
Heating ExpenseCopy of bills.At application