Water bill assistance programs
The Water Department’s Tiered assistance Program (TAP) is an affordability program for low-income customers and those with special hardships to help reduce their monthly water bills.
Philadelphia Water Department also offers a 25% discount on water bills for senior customers living in Philadelphia with a total household income of $33,000 or less.
All the information to apply here
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program that helps many low income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices.
You are likely eligible if your household’s income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line, or if you or someone you live with currently receives a government benefit like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch.
All the information about the program here
You can apply online https://nv.fcc.gov/lifeline/?id=nv_flow&ebbp=true, print the following applications and send them to ACP Support Center PO Box 7081 London, KY 40742 Form 1 Form 2 or though your internet company (if they if they participate in the ACP).
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a temporary emergency program to help low-income families pay overdue water bills.
LIHWAP is a grant. You do not have to repay it.
LIHWAP crisis grants may be available if you have an emergency situation and are in jeopardy of losing your water service. You can receive one crisis grant for your drinking water service and one crisis grant for your wastewater service, up to $2,500 each. Read more about the program here
You can apply online www.compass.state.pa.us or you can fill the paper application and return it to your local county assistance office. LIHWAP Paper Application — English (PDF) LIHWAP Paper Application — Spanish (PDF)
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is open now for applications
LIHEAP is a cash and crisis grant program that helps income eligible households pay for their heating bill.
Read more about the program here and visit the Utility Assistance page to find out about other available utility bill programs.
You can apply for LIHEAP online or call for application assistance 1-866-857-7095
846 N. Broad St. and 6325 Frankford Ave, Unit D in Philadelphia.
Eligibility:
- You must meet income guidelines
- You don’t have to be on public assistance
- You don’t need to have an unpaid heating bills
- You can rent or own your home
Here are the LIHEAP income requirements for 2022-2023:
| Household Size | Income Limit |
| 1 | $20,385 |
| 2 | $27,465 |
| 3 | $34,545 |
| 4 | $41,625 |
| 5 | $48,705 |
| 6 | $55,785 |
| 7 | $62,865 |
| 8 | $69,945 |
| 9 | $77,025 |
| 10 | $84,105 |
| For every additional person, add $7,080 |
Crisis Grants
Households experiencing a heating crisis may be eligible for additional benefits through the LIHEAP crisis program. Emergency situations include:
- Broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced
- Lack of fuel
- The main heating source or second heating source (a source that is used to operate the main heating source or used if the main heating source is not working) has been completely shut-off
- The danger of being without fuel (less than a 15 day supply)
- The danger of having utility service terminated (you’ve received a notice that service will be shut off within the next 60 days)
Facing eviction or utility shut off:
The Philly Tenant Hotline has a guide to your rights as a renter during this pandemic. You can call the hotline for legal assistance: 267-443-2500. Click here to find information and resources about eviction and utility shut-offs.
Utility Grant Program
Link to the Utility Emergency Services Fund webpage HERE
The Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) provides financial assistance to low income individuals and families who are facing utility terminations or who have had their utilities shut off. The Utility Grant program is designed to bring a customer’s delinquent account up to date.
How to Apply for UESF:
UESF is a privately funded grant available to income-eligible customers who are behind on their utility bills. It is offered when no other federal aid is available.
The maximum UESF grant amount is $1,500. Customers can apply for grants at designated UESF Intake Sites. Customers are eligible to apply for UESF once every two years.