If you are a Philadelphia Water Department customer behind on your bills, you may be eligible for a grant from the new Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) to help pay past-due water bills. 

Limited funds are available for one time only. Payments are made directly to the Philadelphia Water Department and can help you avoid a water shut-off. These grants do not have to be paid back. 

The maximum grant for drinking water assistance is $2,500. Some customers may also be eligible for up to an additional $2,500 for wastewater charges.   

Find out if you’re eligible and apply today! 

You may qualify for LIHWAP if:

There are three ways you can apply.   

The City of Philadelphia partners with trusted community groups to run BenePhilly centers to help you apply. You may be able to apply over the phone or make an appointment to come in for help. The Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) BenePhilly center set up a special hotline at 1-855-827-8373 to help with LIHWAP applications and other forms of water assistance.    

You can use COMPASS to apply for LIHWAP and other benefits available to Pennsylvania residents. This site is run by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). You will need your COMPASS login information or you will need to create an account. If you need help using COMPASS, call the DHS helpline at 1-800-692-7462.

County Assistance Offices are now open for walk-ins to help apply for LIHWAP or other programs. Find a list of all Pennsylvania County Assistance offices here.   

After your application is processed, you will receive a written notice letting you know if you qualify. If you are eligible, the letter will tell you the amount of your grant.