Allow applications through multiple pathways, without requiring in-person meetings, ensuring accessibility for all applicants. 

Support modern enrollment options, including online applications, utility websites, and automated phone systems, to streamline participation.

Provide administrative funding to cover costs related to billing system updates, staffing needs, or other modifications necessary for program implementation—without increasing water rates.

Offer data-sharing tools and guidance to help utilities securely match eligible households while protecting sensitive customer and utility information.

Improve income verification processes by ensuring asset calculations are accurate and do not create unnecessary enrollment barriers.

Align income eligibility limits with existing state utility and housing assistance programs for households that do not qualify under categorical eligibility. Avoid applying an additional asset test beyond income requirements.

Ensure assistance is available to customers with lower arrears by setting a low minimum benefit level, recognizing that even small past-due amounts can put households at risk of disconnection.

Account for regional cost differences by allowing states flexibility to set income thresholds based on Area Median Income (AMI) where appropriate, rather than relying solely on Federal Poverty Level or State Median Income.

Reduce paperwork burdens by minimizing document requirements and ensuring remote access to applications for households with and without internet access.

Ensure renters can access assistance even when the landlord is the account holder, to the greatest extent possible.

Allow debt reduction and bill credits to cover all water utility services provided, ensuring comprehensive assistance.

Encourage state agency and utility collaboration to improve enrollment and data-sharing efforts. Agencies administering federal programs like SNAP, LIHEAP, and TANF can partner with utilities to identify and enroll eligible households.

Support small water systems by allowing states to use a portion of their administrative funding to help these systems participate in data matching, automatic enrollment, and program reporting. 

Make federal assistance available to jurisdictions that request additional support for program implementation.

Assess and expand technical assistance resources by evaluating whether existing organizations effectively reach eligible households. Where needed, states and the administering federal agency should identify additional organizations—including private sector partners—to provide technical support.

Provide technical assistance to help water systems and households navigate the program, which may include outreach and education on program eligibility and enrollment, efficient online forms/tools, and billing system modification guidance and support.

Track state progress on enrollment and fund distribution by reviewing state plans, setting timelines and participation goals, and documenting barriers when states fall short.

Monitor program implementation to ensure utilities are effectively participating and that funding is being distributed efficiently.

Allow states flexibility to implement effective communications plans that help utilities, community action agencies, and other service providers facilitate program participation.

Ensure adequate outreach resources so eligible households receive timely information and support with enrollment. Coordinate efforts with utilities, private companies, and other partners to reach households. 

Provide guidance on localized outreach strategies that reflect the needs of different communities, ensuring messaging is relevant and effective.

Offer states a communications plan template or checklist informed by community stakeholders and outreach experts to streamline implementation.

Encourage targeted outreach for renters and households where the account holder may not be the resident paying the bill.

Encourage support for customers with incomplete applications by incorporating follow-up strategies into communications plans.

Provide additional resources for community action agencies and other partners to assist in outreach and customer education.

Clarify that drinking water, stormwater, and solid waste costs are eligible for assistance in municipalities that charge separately for these services.

Ensure utilities receive clear program information through dedicated communication channels, engagement with municipal and utility associations, and accessible program staff for troubleshooting.