FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The State of North Carolina has been awarded more than $38 million in federal funding to establish a new water assistance program for households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible households in Cumberland County that had their water services cut off or have received notice that their water services are in danger of being cut off can apply for assistance in paying their bill through a new federal program called the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program that will help eligible households and families afford water and wastewater services. The temporary program provides a one-time payment for eligible low-income households directly to the utility company. LIHWAP runs through September 2023 or until the funds run out.
“This program will assist Cumberland County residents keep their water service running for proper hygiene and better health,” said Heather Skeens, Department of Social Services Director.
Households that currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services, or those that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services between Oct. 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021, are automatically eligible to receive this benefit.
All other households that have lost water services or are in danger of losing service can apply online at www.epass.nc.gov. Individuals can also apply by printing a paper application from www.epass.nc.gov and dropping it off at a drop box outside the Cumberland County Department of Social Services, 1225 Ramsey Street in Fayetteville, or by faxing it to (910) 677-2885 or by calling (910) 677-2983 to apply by phone.
All households that are not in danger of losing their water service can apply for assistance if they meet the eligibility requirements. To be eligible for the LIHWAP program, a household must have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen and:
- Has income equal to or less than 150% of the federal poverty level,
- Has household services that are disconnected, in jeopardy of disconnection or have a current outstanding bill
- Is responsible for the water bill
For more information on this program and eligibility, visit the LIHWAP website at www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance/low-income-household-water-assistance-program-lihwap.
Please visit ccdssnc.com for more information concerning the Cumberland County Department of Social Services.