Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Helps prevent disconnect

The Community Action Council of Portage County wants to inform residents that the LIHWAP Program can help prevent disconnection, and restore water services. 
The Low Income Water Assistance Program, a component of the Home Energy Assistance Program, provides assistance to eligible households that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected or have to pay a deposit before new service can be established.    To qualify, a household must meet one of the previously stated needs, and have a gross household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level.
Individuals interested in receiving assistance must have a phone appointment, and provide all required documentation.  Applicants will need to provide utility bill, proof of income, and proof of citizenship. 0ther documentation may be required based on each household’s individual circumstances.

Portage County residents can call toll free 234-703-4303 or go online https://app.capappointments.com to schedule an appointment.  Appointments are scheduled up to 3 weeks in advance and must be made through the Agency’s 24 hour Interactive Voice Response scheduling system either by phone or online.
 
CAC also offers call-in appointments at our Ravenna office Monday through Thursday starting at 8:00 am until all the available appointments are full.  These same day phone appointments usually book by 8:30am each day.    
 
ALL APPOINTMENTS, AND CALL-INS WILL BE CONDUCTED VIA PHONE INTERVIEW.  You are required to be available via the phone number provided, and have the required documents available so you are able to answer the Intake Specialist questions at the date and time of your appointment.  The Intake Specialist will work with you to decide what is the best method for providing your documents.

The Intake Specialist will attempt to reach you 2 (two) times during your scheduled appointment time.  If they are unable to reach you, you must re-schedule. At the conclusion of the Phone Interview, the Intake Specialist will inform you of the documents that you will need to submit and any other information necessary to complete the application.    Applications will only be considered complete when all required documentation has been provided.
​
To learn more about the programs call CAC at 330-297-1456 and press 1 for HEAP.   Customers must be income eligible, and provide all necessary documentation to be approved for assistance.