Nebraska DHHS launches low-income water assistance program
The program is designed to help ensure that Nebraskans have access to safe and affordable drinking water and wastewater services.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services launched a Low Income Household Water Assistance Program on Thursday.
The program is designed to help ensure that Nebraskans have access to safe and affordable drinking water and wastewater services.
Federal funding was made available through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act.
A one-time payment of up to $2,500 per federal fiscal year (Oct. 1 through Sept. 30) will be made for eligible households.
Payments will be made directly to water utility providers to restore water utility services or eliminate past-due balances.
Payments may apply to the standard charges and fees included in the household water bill, deposits, standard reconnection fees, penalty fees, etc.
Funds cannot be used for equipment repair or replacement costs.
To qualify for assistance, a household must:
- Be responsible for water utility services
- Have disconnected water utility services or a past-due balance for water utility services with a provider that has an agreement with DHHS
- Meet citizenship and residency requirements
- Not be otherwise disqualified or ineligible
- Have an income at or below the 150% of the federal poverty level or include an individual that has an active Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program case
DHHS urges anyone struggling with water bill payments to consider reaching out for assistance:
- Online at https://dhhs-access-neb-menu.ne.gov/start/?tl=en
- In person at a DHHS Office
- Or by calling ACCESSNebraska at the number below:
- Lincoln: 402-323-3900
- Omaha: 402-595-1258
- All other Nebraska communities: toll-free at 800-383-4278
