The City of Cumberland is urging residents whose City water bill is past due and who are currently experiencing financial difficulty to explore Maryland’s Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
This new program will be administered by the Department of Human Services’ Office of Home Energy Programs and will help low-income households pay their water and wastewater bills, avoid shutoffs and support reconnections.
According to the Maryland Department of Human Services, “Funding is limited and applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis, and will continue until federal funds are exhausted. Depending on income and specific needs, applicants may qualify for the following assistance:
- Reconnect Household Water/Wastewater Services – If the household’s water/wastewater services have been disconnected because of past due water bills, grant funds may be available to pay off the balance, including fees to reconnect household water services.
- Prevent Disconnection of Household Water/Wastewater Services – If the household has received a notice that your water/wastewater services will be disconnected due to a past overdue balance, grant funds may be available to pay all or part of your bill.
- Reduce Current Household Water/Wastewater Past Due Balance – If the household is struggling to afford your current water bills and meet other household needs, the household may qualify for temporary assistance to pay some or all of your current water bills.”
For more information about the program and to submit an application, visit the MD Department of Human Services website at: https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/low-income-household-water-assistance-program/ or contact Allegany County Department of Social Services at 301-784-7000.