Energy & Water Assistance Programs

From IHCDA

The application period for Indiana's Energy Assistance Program (EAP) opened on October 3, 2022. In response to rising energy costs, the program increased some of the potential benefits to better assist applicants. So far this program year, more than 55,000 households have had their application approved. More than 15,000 households have received crisis assistance, meaning those households either had their service restored or disconnection was prevented.

Winter Disconnection Moratorium protection began on December 1, 2022 and will go through March 15, 2023. This means that any household who has qualified for EAP on or after October 1, 2022 cannot have electric and natural gas utility service disconnected. This protection also extends to households who have applied for EAP, but they are waiting for eligibility to be determined. Unregulated utilities such as bulk fuel may not be protected by the moratorium. Click HERE to learn more and

This is the second and final year of the temporary Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The application period also opened on October 3, 2022. The application for Water Assistance is part of the EAP application, with applicants just needing to check a box for LIHWAP.

Last program year, the only benefits paid were arrearages; this year, the program has expanded to pay arrearages plus some current charges. You do not necessarily have to be behind on payments to get assistance. This change to the program has led to many more Hoosiers receiving assistance. Last program year, approximately 9,500 households received assistance. Since October 3, 2022, more than 17,000 households have received assistance. The program can pay for both water and wastewater charges.

While LIHWAP was closely modeled after EAP, unfortunately, there is no Winter Disconnection Moratorium protection for water and wastewater utilities in Indiana.

Applications for both programs are accepted until May 16, 2023. There are multiple ways to apply – IHCDA partners with 20 Local Service Providers (LSP) throughout the state to administer the programs. Individuals can go in person to the local LSP office, receive mail-in applications from their LSP, online on IHCDA's website, or by calling 2-1-1 for a dedicated EAP prompt. A detailed chart of income eligibility requirements as well as a list of local service providers and a link to the online application can be found HERE.