Application Period For Energy Assistance Program Extended

An application period for low-income residents in West Virginia to apply for an energy assistance program has been extended to March 18.

The federally funded program assists eligible state residents in paying home heating bills.

The state Department of Health and Human Resources said eligibility for the benefits is based on income, household size and whether the household is responsible for paying its heating bill. An applicant’s annual income must be at or below 60% of the state median income.

DHHR workers must meet with applicants in cases where a heating emergency exists, the agency said in a news release.

Applications are available online at www.wvpath.org and also can be obtained at local DHHR offices, Community Action Agencies, or senior centers operated by an Area Agency on Aging.

Households Can Now Apply For Home Heating Assistance

Applications for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program are open through the end of January 2022 or until funds are exhausted. This is a federally funded program.

Assistance eligibility is based on income, household size and whether the household is responsible for paying its heating bill.

Households whose income exceeds the maximum amount are not eligible, but some types of income like Social Security and veterans benefits may be excluded from the calculation.

The maximum allowable gross income levels for LIEAP Fiscal Year 2022 are listed below:

Household Size Gross Monthly Income Limit
1 $2,005
2 $2,621
3 $3,238
4 $3,855
5 $4,472
6 $5,088
7 $5,204
8 $5,583
9 $6,150
10 $6,718

For each additional person, add $567. Households whose income exceeds the maximum amount are not eligible. However, some types of income may be excluded for LIEAP.

To qualify, households must meet all program guidelines, which include an applicant’s annual income being at or below 60 percent of the state median income. In situations where a heating emergency exists, applicants must contact a DHHR worker for case evaluation.

Applications are available online at wvpath.org and may also be obtained at local DHHR offices, Community Action agencies, or senior centers operated by an Area Agency on Aging.

Completed applications should be delivered or mailed to the DHHR office located in the applicant’s county of residence. A list of local offices may be found here, or by calling 304-352-4431.

Mailing the application to any other office or to a utility company may delay the receipt by DHHR and prohibit processing the application.

Heating Bill Aid Available for Low-Income Residents

Low-income West Virginians can get help paying heating bills through a state program.

The Department of Health and Resources is taking applications this week for the Emergency Low Income Energy Assistance Program.

Officials say households must meet income and other program guidelines to qualify. Applicants in an emergency situation that will disrupt the primary heating source must been seen by a DHHR worker.

Applications are available online at www.wvinroads.org . They also can be obtained at local DHHR offices, community action agencies, or senior centers operated by an Area Agency on Aging.

Completed applications should be delivered or mailed to the DHHR office located in the applicant’s county of residence.

Applications must be postmarked by Friday. The program will operate until funds are exhausted.

State Making Supplemental Payments for Energy Assistance

West Virginia residents who received payments last winter from the state’s energy assistance program are getting a little additional help.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources announced a supplemental payment of $50 for each resident who received a regular payment last winter from the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. The payment goes to eligible residents’ utility company or bulk fuel provider for home heating purposes.

The payment is automatic. All payments are expected to be issued by Aug. 31.

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