Westmont, Illinois -- Date Issued: February 16, 2022
Shortly after the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, the Village of Westmont created a variety of programs to financially assist residents and businesses. One of the directives was to ensure that water shutoffs were halted during this time in which some people were having difficulties with paying their bills. Since that time, DuPage County Community Services (DCCS) has created a program to assist qualifying residents with their water bills. DCCS is now accepting applications for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
Now that LIHWAP is in place, the Village of Westmont will resume collections on overdue water bill accounts. This will include water shutoffs for past due accounts, if necessary.
LIHWAP began Feb. 1 and will run through Aug. 31, 2023, or until funds are depleted. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis by appointment only. Income-eligible homeowners and renters may receive one-time assistance to help with water and wastewater bills, reconnection of water service, and other services.
Households must have a past-due bill of at least $250 and be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level to receive a LIHWAP benefit.
The 30-day income guidelines are based on federal poverty guidelines, which are: $2,147 for a single individual household, $2,903 for a household of two, $3,660 for three-member households, and $4,417 for a household of four. For more information, and to find limits for households with five or more members, please visit www.dupageco.org/lihwap.
Applicants must provide the following required documentation to apply:
- Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30 days from the date of application.
- Proof of Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members (at least one household member must be a U.S. citizen).
- Copy of a current water/wastewater (sewer) bill or proof that water and wastewater are included in the rent.
- Proof that the tenant is responsible for the water services.
Applications will be taken by appointment only at DuPage County Community Services, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton. Appointments can be scheduled by calling Intake and Referral at 630-407-6500 or toll-free at 800-942-9412.
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