Mountain State Times

The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) has announced the opening of applications for the Emergency Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). Applications will be accepted from Monday, April 22, 2024, to Friday, April 26, 2024, or until funds are depleted.

This federally funded initiative aims to help eligible residents of West Virginia with their home heating bills. To qualify for assistance, households must adhere to program guidelines and face an emergency situation that threatens their primary heating source.

Applicants whose main heat source is gas or electricity need to provide a shut-off notice when applying. Those using other heating sources or bulk fuel can apply if their fuel levels are critically low during the application period.

Households that previously received regular LIEAP benefits must submit a current receipt proving that the payment was used for home heating. Failure to provide this verification could lead to denial of the emergency application.

Eligibility is determined by income, household size, and responsibility for paying the heating bill. The income limit for fiscal year 2024 is set at 60% of the state median income. In cases where a heating emergency exists, applicants must consult with a DoHS worker.

The gross monthly income limits are as follows:

- Household Size: 1 - $2,186

- Household Size: 2 - $2,859

- Household Size: 3 - $3,532

- Household Size: 4 - $4,205

- Household Size: 5 - $4,877

- Household Size: 6 - $5,550

- Household Size: 7 - $5,678

- Household Size: 8 - $6,320

- Household Size: 9 - $6,963

- Household Size: 10 - $7,605

For each additional person in a household beyond ten members, add $642. Households with countable income exceeding these amounts are not eligible; however certain types of income may be excluded from consideration.

Residents interested in applying should visit their local DoHS office. A list of offices is available at dhhr.wv.gov/bfa/Pages/MapList.aspx.