If you’re behind on your water bill in Michigan, you might be able to get help. The state runs a Water Assistance Program that pays down water and wastewater bills for low income households, and in some areas, it even covers plumbing repairs.
Here’s what it covers and how to apply.
What Is the Water Assistance Program?
This program helps Michigan households pay overdue water and wastewater bills. It’s run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), but you don’t apply through MDHHS directly. Instead, MDHHS sends funding to local Community Action Agencies and nonprofit partners, who process applications and disburse the money.
In some counties, the program can also pay for minor plumbing repairs on metered water or wastewater lines. This doesn’t cover well or septic systems, and it isn’t available everywhere in the state yet.
Remember: This is a Michigan-specific program funded by the state, separate from the federal Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), which stopped accepting new applications nationwide back in 2024. Michigan’s program is still active and funded through September 30, 2031, unless the money runs out sooner.
Who Is Eligible?
You’ll need to meet these requirements:
- Your account is a residential water or wastewater account
- Your home is connected to metered water or wastewater service
- Your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
You can also qualify automatically if you’re already receiving one of these benefits:
- Family Independence Program / Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (FIP/TANF)
- Food Assistance Program / SNAP
- State Emergency Relief (SER)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
This program is designed to help before things get to a crisis point, but it can also help if you’re already disconnected. If you’re also struggling with your energy bills, Michigan’s State Emergency Relief program may help with that separately. Our guides to Consumers Energy and DTE Energy bill assistance cover those options in more detail.
How Much Money Can I Get?
- Up to $3,000 in bill assistance per fiscal year
- Up to $9,000 total per address for eligible plumbing repairs, where available (limited)
Since plumbing repair assistance isn’t offered statewide yet, ask your local agency whether it’s available in your county before you count on it.
How Do I Apply?
You’ll apply through the Community Action Agency or nonprofit partner that serves your county, not through MDHHS directly. The state’s Water Assistance Program page includes a county-by-county dashboard that lists the organization handling applications in your area, along with their contact information.
If your county isn’t currently listed as covered for plumbing repair assistance, MDHHS suggests reaching out to MDHHS-LIWHAP@michigan.gov to ask about your options.
Because this program runs on a set amount of funding each year, applying earlier gives you a better shot before funds run low.
Relief Recap
Water is not a bill anyone should have to choose between paying and keeping food on the table. Michigan built this program to keep that from happening, so if you’re behind, it’s worth a call to your local Community Action Agency today. For more Michigan resources, visit our Michigan area page.
