Mountain State Times

The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), through its Bureau for Family Assistance, has announced an extension to the application period for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The deadline has been moved two weeks forward, now closing on December 13, 2024. This initiative offers financial support to eligible households to help manage home heating expenses.

Eligibility for LIEAP is based on factors such as household income, size, and responsibility for heating costs. For fiscal year 2025, households with incomes up to 60% of the state median income may qualify if they have up to seven members. Larger households can qualify with incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty level. All applicants must meet specific program criteria.

Applications have been distributed to residents deemed most vulnerable, including previous beneficiaries of LIEAP. Additionally, applications are accessible online at wvpath.wv.gov or in person at local DoHS county offices, community action agencies, or senior centers managed by Area Agencies on Aging.

Completed applications should be submitted by December 13, 2024, either directly at a local DoHS office or postmarked by this date. A directory of local offices is available through contact information provided by the department.

Applicants are advised to ensure their forms are sent only to the appropriate local DoHS county office to avoid processing delays caused by misdirected submissions.

For further inquiries about LIEAP and its requirements, individuals can reach out to the Office of Constituent Services’ Client Services Unit via phone at 1-800-642-8589 or email OSAClientServices@wv.gov.