Low-Income Rate Assistance
Assistance Program for Water Customers
Residential water customers have the opportunity to apply for the City of Chino Hills Low-Income Rate Assistance program (LIRA).
What kind of discount is available?
The LIRA program offers a $10 discount on the monthly water meter charge. The amount was set after a survey of nine water agencies with monthly low-income discounts revealed a range from $2.25 to $16.48. Residents who live in multi-family/multi-unit structures, that receive water through one master meter, are not eligible for this discount.
How can I apply?
Simply submit your application one of three ways:
- Print it out and drop it off in person to the Utility Billing Customer Service water counter on the second floor at City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive
- Mail in your application to City of Chino Hills, LIRA Program, 14000 City Center Drive, Chino Hills, CA 91709
- Apply for the program by submitting your online application
How long will it take for my application to be reviewed?
Depending upon response to the program, staff expects to review applications within 10 business days. Once approved, the discount will appear on the next 12 monthly bills. The customer will be notified if the application is denied.
How do I qualify?
Eligible customers must occupy the property where water service is provided, have a water meter size of 1-inch or below (meter size noted on water bill), have the water bill account in their name, and complete an application. Water customers must provide a copy of a current Southern California Edison or Southern California Gas bill that verifies their enrollment in the utilities’ California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) rate assistance programs. The LIRA and CARE programs follow the same California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) definition of low income. The qualifying household income levels are: 1 to 2 persons - $36,620; 3 persons - $46,060; and 4 - $55,500. For larger households, add an additional $9,440 per person. The CPUC may adjust income levels each year based on inflation. Once approved to receive the LIRA discount, participants are required to notify the City if their income level increases above the limits during the one-year period covered by their application.
Do I have to reapply each year?
A new application is required every year.
How is the program funded?
Penalty fees collected by the water utility will fund the program. Historically those fees have offset other costs to the water system. Approximately $100,000 per year will be needed to pay for the discount. According to U.S. Census data, approximately 1,400 households may qualify. Proposition 218 does not allow assistance programs to be subsidized by other ratepayers.
Questions?
Persons who have questions or need assistance completing the simple application may call Utility Billing Customer Service at 909-364-2660.
California Low Income Household Water Assistance Program
The federal Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides financial assistance to low-income Californians to help manage their residential water utility costs. This federally funded program will help low-income households pay down their current and outstanding water bills. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply online at www.csd.ca.gov/WaterBill.