Utility Bill Assistance

Several programs are available for Coachella Valley residents that may provide assistance due to economic hardship.     

Help2Others

CVWD has partnered with United Way of the Desert to create the Help2Others Customer Assistance Program to help eligible customers who are having trouble paying their water bill.

How does the program work?

Eligible residential customers can receive a $150 credit on their water bill once in a 12 month period. Customers must reapply for subsequent years.  The Customer Assistance Program is managed by United Way of the Desert. United Way of the Desert screens eligible customers and provides them with assistance in paying a past due water bill.

See www.cvwd.org/367/Customer-Assistance-Program for more information.


LIHWAP

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is administered by the Community Action Partnership of Riverside County. It is a temporary emergency program to help low-income families with assistance on past due water and sewer bills - up to $15,000. Additionally, water customers without a balance may receive $200 to $371, depending on household size and income. LIHWAP is a grant. You do not have to repay it. 

To receive help, you must: 

  • Be a Riverside County resident.
  • Have an unpaid water or sewer bill.
  • Meet the income guidelines.


Required Documents

You will need the following documents to complete your application.  Please have them ready before you begin to ensure your application is completed and processed.

1. Current water utility bill
2. Proof of income (last 4 weeks)
3. Copy of the applicant's photo ID and Social Security Card
4. Any of the following:  U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, Permanent Resident Card, Certificate of Naturalization, Social Security Award Letter, or DD214 showing place of birth.


Download the LIHWAP flyer for full program details in English and Spanish.

Click here to download the LIHWAP program application.



Utility Assistance Clinic

The Community Action Partnership of Riverside County provides a utility assistance clinic every Wednesday and Thursday in Indio.

Date and Location: 
Molina Healthcare 
Every Wednesday and Thursday 
8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 
81735 Highway 111 Suite B 
Indio CA., 92201 

Bring the Following Items: 
Current Electric Bill 
Gas/Propane Bill 
Water Bill 
SSA/SSI Award Letter 2022 or Current Bank Statement 
Pension / VA Disability Letter 
Notice of Action or Passport to Services 
Paystubs for last 4 weeks 
Birth Certificate / Passport / Resident Alien Card 
Social Security Card 
ID / Driver License  


Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

The Community Action Partnership of Riverside County VITA Tax Program provides a free tax preparation service to low and moderate income individuals and families with income up to $75,000.  We have various locations available during tax season (January 30 to April 15) for your convenience.  See our page for more details.


Imperial County Subsistence Payments Program

The County of Imperial would like to help those that have lost the ability to pay their electric, gas or water bill due to the Coronavirus pandemic.  For more information on how to apply, go to CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program - Imperial County or call David Hernandez at (442) 265-1006 Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.


Food Programs

The following Food Programs are ready to help provide food:

  • CalFresh -                    www.getcalfresh.org    (877) 410-8827
  • WIC                              www.rivhero.com        (855) 748-4376
  • Senior Meals                www.rcaging.org          (800) 510-2020


Free or Reduced Cost Community Resources

Search for community resources and a range of services, including medical, financial, transportation, housing, food, job training, legal help and more.


Computers

The Community Action Partnership’s Tech for Success Program allows one to earn a refurbished desktop computer by participating in two online financial literacy workshops.   Courses are available online at www.credit.org/courses/.  Submit certificates via email to mosantana@capriverside.org. Call (951) 955-4802 for more information.


Internet Options for Low- and Fixed-Income Households

Having access to reliable internet service is more important than ever, but many plans are expensive for low- and fixed-income customers. Fortunately, you can take advantage of multiple plans and programs to secure low-income internet service or free high-speed internet.