LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas - The Arkansas Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) has expanded and now offers more benefits to eligible households. Arkansans who need help paying their current or past-due water and wastewater bills may qualify for assistance to ease their financial burden. Recipients who applied for a crisis benefit before October 1, 2022, may be eligible for a second crisis benefit to pay past-due water-related charges. 

"We're pleased to announce LIHWAP has expanded to help even more Arkansans in need," said NAME, TITLE. "People experiencing financial hardship should not have to choose between paying their water bill and other essential needs like food, medicine, or rent. This program will help." 

Current recipients of LIHEAP, SNAP, SSI, and TANF automatically qualify for LIHWAP benefits. For those who are not recipients of these programs, eligibility will be determined based on household size and income. Other factors that affect eligibility include: 

Having an Arkansas residential water utility account (LIHWAP payments cannot be made for commercial accounts) or a lease agreement that includes water in the rent, 

and 

Whether the household has previously received LIHWAP benefits (during the current federal fiscal year). 

Potential recipients are urged to apply for LIHWAP assistance by visiting ArkansasLIHWAP. com or calling 888-985-6441. LIHWAP benefits are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The program will close September 30, 2023, or when funds run out, whichever happens first.