Payment Assistance Programs

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

**Temporary program to help low-income families with assistance on past due water and sewer bills. **


LIHWAP assistance is provided in the form of a credit on your water bill. Credits are paid out directly to the water companies. 


Your household may qualify if:

  • Your total household gross income is at or below 60% of the State Median Income or a household member is a current recipient of CalFresh or CalWORKs;

  • You have a past due amount on your water or wastewater bill;

  • You receive service from a community water system or wastewater treatment provider (private wells and septic excluded);

  • Your water or wastewater system has enrolled in the program;

  • Renters: If your water and/or wastewater bill is included in your rental payment you may still qualify for LIHWAP if you are past due on rent. The application will require an additional step: you must complete an agreement with your landlord to apply the benefit amount.


For additional information on the program and access to the application, click here.

California COVID-19 Rent Relief Program

There's hope. There's help. There's Pandemic Rent Relief.

Financial Assistance is available for those financially impacted by COVID-19 for rental assistance AND has been expanded to include assistance with past due utility bills.


Highlights of the program: 

  • The San Bernardino County Rent Relief Partnership is open for San Bernardino County renters in eligible areas seeking assistance. *Individuals residing in the cities of San Bernardino and Fontana are not eligible for the County program and should contact their respective city. 
  • Eligibility is limited to renters in San Bernardino County with a current or written lease or rental agreement, a household income of less than 50% Area Median Income, and a documented loss of income or financial impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • Assistance is available to qualified households without regard to immigration status. 
  • The Program can help pay up to 12 months of past due rent and late fees incurred from March 13, 2020. 
  • The program is expanding to include assistance with utility arrears. The Utility Arrears Program can help pay up to 12 months of past due utility bills and late fees incurred from March 13, 2020. 
  • Tenants and/or landlords may apply for rental assistance; participation from both parties will be required.  Only tenants can apply for utility assistance.
  • For more information, or to apply for assistance, potential applicants can visit www.sbcrentrelief.com, or call 2-1-1 and select option 5.