Purpose: To prevent households from disconnection of drinking water and/or wastewater services.
Access to safe and affordable drinking water and wastewater services is a fundamental element of health, safety, and well-being for households across America.
What is the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program?
LIHWAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with their past due water bills.
How do I qualify for the LIHWAP program?
You must be a Samish Tribal Citizen
Must reside within the 10-county service area.
Eligibility
To qualify, your household gross income must be at or below the amounts listed for your household size and you must live in our ten county service area: Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan, Snohomish, King, Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson or Pierce.
Use the chart below by finding the line containing your household size and comparing your income against the amounts listed to see if you are eligible.
Income Eligibility Criteria Matrix for October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023
Benefit amount can change without notice, contingent on funding.
| Household Size |
Annually |
| 1 |
$35,037.00 |
| 2 |
$45,817.00 |
| 3 |
$56,598.00 |
| 4 |
$67,379.00 |
| 5 |
$78,159.00 |
| 6 |
$88,940.00 |
Benefits
Qualifying citizens receive financial assistance worth 85%-100% of their monthly water costs.
The following limits apply:
- Eligible households may receive up to $2,500.00 in benefit assistance towards their water/wastewater bill.
The following factors qualify households to assistance beyond 85%, up to 100%.
Add 5% for any member of Household satisfying these additional factors:
- Elder 60 years of age or older*
- Children 5 and under*
- Individual with disability*
- Households that live in isolated areas*
*Must be verified to receive the additional (5%) benefit amount