H20 - Help to Others and Customer Assistance Programs (CAP) in California
Find how to get help with paying your water bills from various water bill assistance programs in California. There are various options available such as “H20 - Help to Others" as well as local customer assistance programs - each water company has their own type of support provided with the goal of helping people keep their service on. Learn where and how to get assistance with water bills in California, including from statewide and local programs.
Details on H20 - Help to Others and CAP programs
California’s H2O Help to Others program isn’t one single statewide benefit. Rather it’s a name many local water providers use for their own customer-assistance funds that keep water service on for struggling, income qualified households in hardship. Many companies also call them Customer Assistance Programs, or CAP.
Because these are utility-run programs, the dollar amounts, eligibility rules, and application steps depend on where you live. Below is what this looks like across the state, with concrete examples and where to apply.
- Start with Inland Southern California, where multiple districts partner with Inland SoCal United Way on an H2O fund that helps customers avoid shutoffs. Depending on the participating agency, eligible households can receive tens or even hundreds of dollars in credits.
- If you’re served by Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), H2O currently provides up to a $150 bill credit once every 12 months. This particular utility provider also has applicants screened and administered by Inland SoCal United Way.
- Desert Water Agency (Palm Springs/Cathedral City area) operates an H2O fund as well, offering a $200 bill credit for income-eligible customers, with the United Way handling applications. The company notes that, by law, they use this donor-supported fund rather than permanent low-income rates; they also publish the H2O assistance phone line. Dial 760-323-4971.
- Farther north, Santa Rosa Water’s “Help 2 Others (H2O)” discounts 100% of the monthly fixed service charges for water and sewer, with a focus on low-income customers that live on a fixed income - such as senior citizens or the disabled. While customers still pay usage charges. Note there are limited resources and often a wait list is in place.
The United Way has applications as well as publishes current documentation rules (photo ID, proof of income, and a current bill) for all those companies above. You can apply online at the United Way with details here https://apps.iscuw.org/forms/124569. Call (909) 980-2857.
California American Water has a few different resources to struggling families, in particular those with a shut off notice. Customer Assistance Programs (CAP) or a similar discount, is offered to those in a hardship. The CAP program used to be part of the “H20 - Help to Others" and it is offered to customers throughout the Northern, Central, as well as Southern California service areas. California American Water directs customers to its CAP page and application, with a toll-free number for help and that is 888-237-1333.
- There are some conditions that need to be met in order to receive the financial aid from California American Water. In general eligibility is based on a household income formula that will equate to providing assistance to people who have incomes of up to approximately 200 percent of the federal poverty level. This will be reviewed when a customer fills out and returns a brief application with support information for the program.
Golden State Water likewise runs a CAP that provides a monthly credit for qualifying low-income. Check their CAP first and ask about any hardship grants or payment plans they also administer. Call 1-800-999-4033.
Applying for water bill assistance programs
In addition to the specific programs above, most of the cities / counties have other options too in their area. Versions of CAP or H2) may be offered. Select an area below.
In addition, to all those local and regional programs, many water companies (no matter what region) partner with CA gas and electric companies to provide help. As examples, any customers who are already enrolled in the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR) or the Pacific Gas and Electric California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) program are automatically eligible. As noted, while CAW may be the main provider of the discount, many other companies across California offer similar services to struggling families.
A few practical points will help you qualify faster when applying. First, these programs almost always require that the bill be in your name at your primary residence and that you meet income guidelines. As an example of this, Inland SoCal United Way lists accepted proof (W-2s, recent pay stubs, or EDD statements) and asks for a current bill that shows the past-due amount. Applying before a shutoff notice date gives you more options, including payment arrangements or arrearage plans where available.
Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com
|
