West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Cabinet Secretary Karen L. Bowling today announced applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) will be accepted beginning Monday, January 26, 2015 and ending Friday, February 6, 2015. The federally funded program assists eligible state residents in paying home heating bills.
“With the winter weather upon us, many West Virginia families struggle to pay their high heating bills,” Bowling said. “This program offers needed assistance to these families to help them cover those costs.”
Eligibility for LIEAP benefits is based on income, household size and whether or not the household is responsible for paying its heating bill. Income must be at, or below, 130 percent of the federal poverty guideline for the household size. In situations where a heating emergency exists, applicants must be seen by a DHHR worker.
The maximum allowable gross income levels for LIEAP FY 2015 are listed below:
| 1 Person |
$1,265 |
|---|
| 2 Person |
$1,705 |
|---|
| 3 Person |
$2,144 |
|---|
| 4 Person |
$2,584 |
|---|
| 5 Person |
$3,024 |
|---|
| 6 Person |
$3,464 |
|---|
| 7 Person |
$3,904 |
|---|
| 8 Person |
$4,344 |
|---|
| 9 Person |
$4,784 |
|---|
| 10 Person |
$5,224 |
|---|
For each additional person, add $440.
Applications may be obtained at local DHHR offices, community action agencies, or senior centers operated by any Area Agency on Aging. Applications also are available online at www.wvinroads.org. Completed applications should be delivered or mailed to the DHHR office located in the applicant’s county of residence.
All applications must be received by DHHR or postmarked by February 6, 2015. Applications received after this date will not be processed. Mailing the application to any other office or to a utility company may delay receipt by DHHR and prohibit processing of the application.
The program is limited to the amount of federal funding allocated to West Virginia under the LIHEAP Block Grant. To learn more about the LIEAP, please call 304-356-4619 or email
Monica.A.Hamilton@wv.gov.
Monica Hamilton ■ LIEAP Program Manager ■ Telephone: (304) 356-4619 ■ Email: Monica.A.Hamilton@wv.gov