BENTON HARBOR, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and City of Benton Harbor announced on Wednesday, November 10, a pilot program that will help pay the water and wastewater bills of eligible Benton Harbor residents who are past due on their bills or in disconnect status.
Officials say the federally funded Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) will assist households who have had their water disconnected or are facing disconnection by paying the full cost that will reconnect or prevent disconnection of service even if it includes costs other than water, such as trash, cable or internet.
A LIHWAP payment will guarantee service for at least 90 days after receipt of payment and will cover reconnection fees when services have been disconnected.
“Access to safe drinking water is fundamental to the health and well-being of all people,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program will provide critical emergency support to qualified Benton Harbor residents, so they are not forced to choose between paying for water services and other necessities.”
To qualify, account holders must:
Be a residential account.
Be in arrears or disconnect status.
Be under 150% Federal Poverty Limit and/or actively receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Assistance Program/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (FAP/SNAP), State Emergency Relief (SER), Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI).
The City of Benton Harbor is providing a list of customer accounts to MDHHS that are past due or in disconnect status for a data match to current benefit status to help determine eligibility and expediate the payment process.
The earliest eligible customers would see updates on their billing statements is mid-December.
Those seeking more information about assistance should call 211.
