The Ohio Department of Development and Lifeline, Inc. will help income-eligible Lake County residents with water and wastewater assistance. The temporary federal Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program provides eligible residents assistance paying water and wastewater bills if they are past due or disconnected. The program has been extended to run through September 30, 2023.

“For years we have seen a need for assistance for water bills,” said Lifeline executive director, Carrie Dotson. “We help so many people each year with their heating and cooling costs through our HEAP programs, but there’s always been a gap for water, which is just as essential as heating and cooling. We’re really excited this program has been extended to be able to more completely help our residents.”

Since it’s launch in mid-February, already 136 Lake County households have been approved for assistance with water or stormwater bills. Just over $30,000 in federal LIHWAP funds have been spent.

To apply for the program, clients are required to contact Lifeline, Inc. Due to COVID-19 precautions, all application intake will be scheduled by appointments only and are in-person. No walk-in sessions will be held. Same day appointments will be added daily for customers who are disconnected. Please call 440-350-9160 if you meet these guidelines for same day appointments. To schedule an appointment call, 1-440-381-8230 or visit https://app.capappointments.com/ Lifeline’s offices relocated to 8 N. State Street Suite 300 in Painesville in June 2022.

Lifeline’s offices will be closed on November 8 in observance of Election Day and November 11 in observance of Veteran’s Day, as well as on November 24 and 25 for Thanksgiving.

Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:

  • Copies of their most recent water/wastewater bills;
  • A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each household member, along with social security cards;
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members;
  • Proof of disability (if applicable)