LADWP Bill Help 2026–27: EZ-SAVE, the Lifeline Rate, Payment Plans up to 48 Months, and LIHEAP
If your Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) bill is more than you can handle, LADWP and the City of Los Angeles offer several ways to lower it or spread it out:
EZ-SAVE, a discount for income-qualified households, with no proof of income needed to enroll
The Senior Citizen/Disability Lifeline Rate, which LADWP says offers its biggest discounts
Payment arrangements with no down payment, no interest, and no fees, for up to 48 months for income-qualified customers
LIHEAP, with up to $1,500 for power bills for income-qualified households
Medical discounts for life-support equipment and physician-certified conditions
Last checked October 2026. Income limits are LADWP's, effective July 1, 2026. Lifeline details come from the City of LA Office of Finance application (revised July 2026).
Behind on Your Bill? Call Before It Gets Worse
LADWP says it has helped tens of thousands of customers and encourages anyone having trouble paying to call right away.
LADWP: 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397)
Payment Arrangements
LADWP Cares lists these terms:
No down payment
No interest
No fees
Up to 48 months to pay for income-qualified customers
Up to 24 months for all other customers
Level Pay
LADWP now offers monthly billing through Level Pay, a monthly payment option that helps you budget and pay off past-due amounts.
EZ-SAVE: Discount for Income-Qualified Households
EZ-SAVE helps income-qualified customers save on their LADWP bills. Enrolling also makes you eligible for other programs that can save you money, such as LADWP's Cool LA program.
No proof of income required to enroll. LADWP may check later whether you're still eligible.
Income limits (maximum annual gross household income, effective July 1, 2026):
1 person: $43,280
2 people: $43,280
3 people: $54,640
4 people: $66,000
5 people: $77,360
6 people: $88,720
7 people: $100,080
8 people: $111,440
Each additional person: add $11,360
What counts as income: Money and benefits for everyone in the household, including wages, Social Security, veterans' benefits, disability, unemployment, CalFresh, TANF, retirement, and other benefits.
How to apply:
Online: Log in to or register for an LADWP online account, then complete the EZ-SAVE application.
Mail: LADWP, EZ-SAVE Program, Room L63, PO Box 515407, Los Angeles, CA 90051-6707
Fax: (213) 241-1465
Help: 1-800-342-5397
Senior Citizen/Disability Lifeline Rate
The Lifeline Rate Program is run by the City of Los Angeles Office of Finance. It gives seniors and people with disabilities an exemption on their electric and other utility bills. LADWP says this program offers its biggest discounts.
Who qualifies (from the July 2026 application):
You live in the City of Los Angeles
You're 62 or older, or have a permanent disability
Combined household income for the prior calendar year is less than $66,650
The name on the utility bill matches the applicant's name
Documents to include:
A copy of each utility bill you want discounted. An LADWP bill is required, showing your name, service address, and account number. You can also include SoCalGas and up to two phone bills. Send the full bill, not just the payment stub.
Proof of income for every household member. Examples include last year's California tax return (Form 540) or an SSI award letter. If none apply, a notarized letter stating your income.
Proof of age or disability: For seniors, a copy of a California ID. For disability, a physician's certification from the last 2 years.
Important details:
Incomplete applications are returned.
Eligibility is reviewed every two years.
If your name or address changes, file a new application within 90 days to keep the exemption.
Contact the Lifeline Program:
Phone: (844) 663-4411
Email: finance.lifelineprogram@lacity.org
Mail: Lifeline Program, Utility Tax Exemption Unit, P.O. Box 53233, Los Angeles, CA 90053-0233
Fax: (213) 978-1548
Questions about the LADWP Lifeline rate itself: 1-800-342-5397
LIHEAP: Up to $1,500 for Power Bills
LADWP says income-qualified households can get up to $1,500, tax free, to pay electricity bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Ask LADWP or visit the LADWP Cares page to find out how to apply in your area.
Medical Discounts
Life-Support Equipment Discount: For households using eligible life-support devices such as motorized wheelchairs, respirators, and dialysis machines
Physician Certified Allowance Discount: An electric bill discount when a state-licensed physician verifies that a full-time household member has a qualified medical condition
If You Get a Past-Due or Shutoff Notice
Call LADWP right away at 1-800-342-5397. Ask for a payment arrangement before the due date on the notice. Arrangements have no down payment, interest, or fees.
Ask whether you're enrolled in EZ-SAVE or Lifeline. If not, apply the same day. Discounts lower future bills, which makes a payment plan easier to keep.
Tell LADWP about medical equipment or a serious medical condition in your home, and ask about the medical discounts.
Ask about LIHEAP if you're behind on electricity and have low income.
Keep notes: the date, the representative's name, and the terms you agreed to.
Stick to the plan. Pay each installment on time, along with your current bill.
Renters and Shared Households
The programs above are tied to the LADWP account. If your lease includes utilities and the account is in your landlord's name, ask your landlord about the bill. For the Lifeline Rate, the City requires that the name on the LADWP bill match the applicant.
Which Program Should You Start With?
Under 62, no disability, income under the limit: EZ-SAVE, plus a payment arrangement if you're behind
62+ or disabled, household income under $66,650, City of LA resident: Lifeline Rate
Behind on payments, any income: Call 1-800-342-5397 for a payment arrangement (up to 24 months, or 48 if income-qualified)
Behind on electricity and low-income: Ask about LIHEAP
Medical equipment or condition at home: Ask about medical discounts
You may qualify for more than one.
Seattle Readers
This guide covers LADWP in Los Angeles. If you live in Seattle, see our Seattle winter utility bill guide, which covers Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need proof of income for EZ-SAVE?
No, not to enroll. LADWP may check eligibility later.
How long can I take to pay off an LADWP balance?
Up to 48 months for income-qualified customers and up to 24 months for others, with no down payment, interest, or fees.
Who runs the Lifeline Rate?
The City of LA Office of Finance. Call (844) 663-4411 with application questions.
What's the Lifeline income limit?
Combined household income under $66,650 for the prior calendar year, according to the July 2026 application.
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