Lifeline and LifeSupport Programs

Click here to see Frequently Asked Questions

Lifeline and LifeSupport Programs

BWP offers a special rate for Burbank's low-income senior citizens, low income customers with a permanent disability or those who have a person with a permanent disability living in the household, and customers on life support. Eligible customers are exempt from the monthly Customer Service Charge and the Utility User's Tax. They also receive reduced rates on their electric service, garbage and refuse, and sewer services. To qualify, certain conditions must be met. Those conditions are listed below. For more information on these programs, please call 818-238-3722.

Lifeline Program for Seniors

To qualify, customers must be below the appropriate annual income level by household size (shown below), be 62 years of age or older, and the utility service must be in the seniors' name.

To qualify, customers must be below the appropriate annual income level by household size (shown below), be under the age of 62, and be permanently disabled. A physician form is required stating whether the disability is permanent or not. Utility service does not have to be in the disabled person's name.

LifeSupport Program

This program is available for customers requiring the regular use of life-support equipment, such as oxygen or a ventilator. Utility service does not have to be in the life-support customers' name and no income limits are required to register the equipment. To receive reduced rates on the electric service, garbage and refuse, and sewer services, an applicant must meet the same income guidelines as seniors and persons with a disability. Customers must be below the appropriate annual income level by household size (shown below).

Lifeline and LifeSupport Program Income Guidelines

To apply for these programs, a completed application is necessary. You can call 818-238-3722 to request the application or you can print it out below. Send it back to us at:

Burbank Water and Power
Lifeline Program
P.O. Box 631
Burbank, California 91503-0631

Lifeline Rate Assistance Program - Frequently Asked Questions

What are the qualifications for the Lifeline Rate?
Seniors: A person 62 years of age or older with limited income (see the end of the document for income qualifications) and electric utility service in their name.
Disabled: A person with a permanent disability with limited income (utility service does not have to be in the permanently disabled person's name). A physician form is required stating that the disability is permanent.

Do I have to complete the entire Lifeline application?
Yes. (If a portion of the application does not apply to you, please write NONE or N/A.)

Do I have to provide copies of all of my household income?
Yes. Any member of your household, who receives income, must provide copies of that income.

Why do I have to provide you with copies of my income? That's personal information.
Because you are requesting that Burbank Water and Power (BWP) pay a portion of your utility bill and we require proof that you are eligible. All information will remain confidential.

What kind of income documents do I need to provide to BWP?
Social Security benefit letter; Social Security Insurance benefit letter; Two months of bank statements; Housing assistance benefit letter; tax return, etc. If a family member is assisting you financially, please have them provide a notarized statement documenting the assistance.

Can I receive a retroactive credit for the Lifeline rate?
No. The only exception to this would be if BWP made an error when processing your application. BWP has 60 days to process your application once submitted.

Can I receive the Lifeline rate at more than one residential location?
No. You are only eligible to receive the Lifeline rate at only one residence.

I need help filling out the Lifeline application because I don't understand how to complete it.
You can take the application home and have a family member or friend help you. If you still have questions, please call us at 818-238-3722.

I mailed my Lifeline application to BWP weeks ago but you say BWP has no record of receiving it; what do I do?
If BWP has no record then a new application will need to be submitted. We would suggest that you drop it off in our office instead of mailing it.

If my parent moves to a long-term care facility and the house is vacant, can he/she still receive the Lifeline rate until the house is sold?
No. If the qualifying person does not live in the residence the Lifeline rate must be removed.