The State of Vermont is currently offering several programs to help customers pay their water and sewer bills. Please note that Vermont Rural Water does not administer these programs and cannot provide assistance.
LIHWAP
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is run by the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF).
Eligibility:
- Gross household income below 60% of the state median income based on household size (see the Income Guidelines Table)
- Overdue water/sewer bill
- Have not received previous payment from LIHWAP
Apply:
Customer application: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/hwa
Phone: 1-800-339-6433
Information for utilities: https://vtruralwater.org/lihwap/
Homeowner Assistance Program
The Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) is run by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) and can assist with overdue mortgage payments, homeowners association fees, property taxes, and/or utilities.
Eligibility:
- Own a home in Vermont
- Income equal to or less than 150% of the area median income (see details)
- Experienced a financial hardship associated with the coronavirus pandemic after January 21, 2020
- Benefits only available for primary residence
Apply:
Customer application: https://vermonthap.vhfa.org/
Phone: 888-221-4208
Information for utilities: https://vermonthap.vhfa.org/serviceProviders
VERAP
The Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program for Utility Services (VERAP-U) is run by the Department of Public Service and Vermont State Housing Authority. This program will reduce benefits beginning on October 1, 2022 and will end June 30, 2023.
New applications will not be accepted after December 31, 2022.
Eligibility:
- Residential renter
- Income at or below 80% of area median household income
- Experienced unemployment, loss/reduction of income, or other financial hardship due to COVID-19;
- Face a risk of homelessness or housing instability
Apply:
Customer information: https://erap.vsha.org/
Phone: 833-488-3727
Information for utilities: https://vtruralwater.org/verap/
Closed Programs
VCAAP (November 2020 – January 2021)
VCAAP II (July 2021 – October 2021)