Need help paying your water and sewer bill? California extended this assistance program
The California Department of Community Services and Development is extending its program to help low-income residents pay their current or past-due water and sewer bills.
The federally funded Low Income Household Water Assistance Program was originally set to end in the fall, but will remain open through March 2024 — or until funds last.
Here’s how to apply for one-time support paying your water and sewer bill, and who qualifies:
Who is eligible for the assistance program?
There are two ways for households to qualify for California’s water and sewer bill assistance program.
If your total household gross income is at or below 60% of the state median income of $109,200, you are eligible for the program.
What is considered ‘low income’ in California? Map shows limit in all 58 counties
Your household also qualifies if one or more members is a current recipient of CalFresh, CalWORKS or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Your water or sewer utility system must be enrolled in the program. You can ask your utility provider to sign up if they aren’t already.
The enrolled water and sewer utilities list by county, updated as of Sept. 29, can be found on the department’s website. The list also shows whether the providers accepts benefits for current bills or past due only.
How to apply for assistance in California
To apply for the program, visit the department’s website and search for your local service provider. The program works with these providers to connect low-income households with financial support.
If you are a renter and your water or sewer bill is included in your rental payment, you may still qualify for the program if you are past due on rent. In this case, renters need to complete an agreement with their landlord as part of the application.
Local water bill assistance service providers include:
Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission
1900 Mariposa Mall, Ste. 260, Fresno
559-263-1320
Merced County Community Action Agency
1235 Main St., Merced
209-723-4565
Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Community Resource Project, Inc.
250 Harris Ave., Ste 3, Sacramento
916-567-5200
Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
San Joaquin County Department of Aging and Community Services
333 E. Washington St., Stockton
209-468-1500
Open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Central Valley Opportunity Center, Incorporated
3860 Brickit Court, Ceres
209-537-9217
Open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc.
3970 Short St., Ste. 110, San Luis Obispo
805-541-4122
Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
