Customers of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) have already received $1.5 million through the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). Now that this federal program is set to expire, eligible PWSA customers are encouraged to apply for these emergency grants that do not need to be re-paid.
LIHWAP was created in January 2022 by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act. Temporarily put in place to help households with their water and wastewater bills due to hardships caused by COVID-19, this funding will now end at 5:00 p.m. on October 28th, 2022.
If you think you may benefit from this assistance, now is the time to apply. Applications are processed on a first-come-first-served basis and can be submitted online or at the Allegheny County Assistance Office. Eligible customers must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Renters responsible for paying their water or wastewater charges are also eligible. Learn more about LIHWAP at www.dhs.pa.gov/waterhelp.
“This important funding program has helped thousands of our most vulnerable customers retain access to their water and wastewater service through a very difficult time,” said Will Pickering, Chief Executive Officer. “We strongly encourage eligible customers to take advantage of this critical financial assistance as soon as possible before it runs out.”
Assistance can range from $25 - $2,500 for each service (drinking water or wastewater) the customer receives. Eligible PWSA customers receiving both drinking and wastewater services can qualify for grants totaling up to $5,000. Grants are available to support customers in an emergency by helping to maintain essential water services, including:
- Past-due water bills
- Termination of water service
- Termination of water service in the next 60 days
Income Requirements
How to Apply
- Online: www.compass.state.pa.us
- Paper applications: You can download a paper application, print it, fill it out, and return it to the Allegheny County Assistance Office, located at 301 5th Avenue. You can also fill out an application at the county office in-person. Grant checks are issued directly to PWSA and applied to the customer’s account. Applications are available in English and Spanish.
- Phone: Request an application by calling the Statewide Customer Service Center at 877-395-8930 or call PA Relay at 711 for the hearing impaired.
Applicants will need to provide the names of people in the household, along with their dates of birth, social security numbers, proof of income, and a copy of a recent water bill. For more information, please download the attached flyer.
No one should have to choose between paying their water bill and other essential expenses. PWSA supports our most vulnerable customers by offering a variety of customer assistance programs including a Bill Discount Program with over 5,649 customers already enrolled, and a Winter Shut-Off Moratorium, assuring that water service will not be shut off during the winter months from December 1st to March 31st.
“We are very grateful for the LIHWAP program and the many people who experienced debt relief through these grants”, said Julie Mechling, Director of Customer Service. “PWSA’s assistance programs will continue to support customers in need, and our Cares team is ready to help with enrollment.”
If you need help determining which program is right for you and how to apply, call (412) 255-2457 and talk with a PGH2O Cares team member or visit www.pgh2o.com/CAP.
