March 28, 2022
Starkville Utilities is helping spread the word about a water and wastewater bill-payment assistance program for Mississippians financially impacted by COVID-19.
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program can provide up to $1,500 of utility assistance depending on household size and income. Funds are paid directly to utility providers to support individuals and families who meet income requirements.
To fund the program, the State of Mississippi received $13 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the American Rescue Plan Act to help Mississippians financially impacted by COVID-19.
Mississippi residents who qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, also will be eligible for LIHWAP. Applicants’ household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income to qualify for these programs.
LIHWAP focuses on three priority groups: (1) households with disconnected water services; (2) households with pending disconnections of water services (disconnect notice); and (3) households needing assistance with current water bills (no disconnect notice). Residents who have never received government assistance to pay bills may still be eligible for the program.
For more information, visit https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/community-services/lihwap/, call 800-421-0762 or visit your local Community Action Agency.
Starkville Utilities is a public utility serving 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville, Mississippi as well as Mississippi State University. Its mission is to supply safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric and water service of superior quality and value that improves the lives of its customers.