From the California Dept. of Community Services and Development:
The California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) is actively enrolling water and wastewater systems across the state for the new California Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). Water and wastewater systems must enroll in LIHWAP Direct Pay through CSD’s enrollment coordinator (HORNE) for your customers to be eligible for LIHWAP.
LIHWAP is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible Californians to help manage their residential water utility costs. This program will provide a one-time benefit (up to $2,000) on an eligible, low-income customer’s water or wastewater bill. Enrollment in LIHWAP Direct Pay is required for water and wastewater systems to receive LIHWAP benefits and allow customers the chance to participate. Please note eligible customers must apply with the LIHWAP local service provider to receive a benefit.
The initial enrollment deadline is April 30th to ensure your customers can begin receiving LIHWAP benefits when the program opens in early June. Enroll now in LIHWAP Direct Pay to be sure to take advantage of this opportunity! Begin today by submitting an interest form here.
Please note that completion of the interest form does not complete the enrollment process. Only one interest form should be submitted per company.
What to Expect after Completion of the Interest Form?
Summary of Direct Payment Enrollment Process:
Step 1 – Water, Wastewater, and/or Billing System to Complete LIHWAP Interest Form
Step 2 – HORNE to Verify Eligibility of Water, Wastewater, and/or Billing System
Step 3 – HORNE Sends Invitation to Enroll in System via Email
Step 4 – Water, Wastewater, and/or Billing System follows link in Email to Complete Enrollment
Step 5 – HORNE Enrollment Specialist Reviews for Completeness & Accuracy
Step 6 – Water, Wastewater, and/or Billing System will Receive Confirmation Email Once Enrollment is Complete
Please follow this link to sign up for future LIHWAP updates. To learn more about California LIHWAP, visit the CSD website here and the customer facing webpage here: https://www.csd.ca.gov/waterbill.
