Section 105.10  Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program

a)         Implementation

This Part institutes the federally-funded water assistance program available to low income-eligible residents statewide.  This assistance program shall be known as the federal "Low Income Household Water Assistance Program" (LIHWAP).

b)         Impacting Authorities

The following authorities, among others, affect the implementation or operation of federal LIHWAP:

1)         The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260);

2)         American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2); and

3)         Uniform Administrative Guidance at 45 CFR Part 75 and Uniform Administrative Guidance at 2 CFR Part 200.

c)         Income Eligibility

Income eligibility for federal LIHWAP is the same as federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (42 U.S.C. 8621-8630).  Any individual who is a resident of the State of Illinois, meets the federal eligibility requirements, and whose household income is not greater than 150% of the federal non-farm poverty level as established by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) (or its successor) or 60% of the State median income for the current State fiscal year as established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is eligible to receive benefits under federal LIHWAP.  In establishing the assistance level for individuals, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (Department) shall consider factors including, but not limited to, economic conditions and the federal funding level.

d)         Application Initiation

Individuals may apply for assistance under federal LIHWAP at the Local Administrating Agency (LAA) office serving the area in which the applicant's household is located.  A joint application will be provided for federal LIHEAP and federal LIHWAP.  A current list of LAA offices is maintained on the Department's website, or may be obtained by calling or writing any office of the Department.