West Virginia Department of Human Services Opens Applications
for Low Income Energy Assistance Program
11/1/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) today announced that applications for the
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) will be accepted starting Monday, November 4, 2024, and continuing through Wednesday, November 27, 2024. This federally funded program helps eligible West Virginians cover home heating costs, aiming to alleviate financial strain during the colder months.
LIEAP eligibility is based on household income, size, and responsibility for heating costs. For fiscal year (FY) 2025, applicants must meet income guidelines set at 60% of the state median income, or 150% of the federal poverty level for households of eight or more members. To qualify, all members of the household must collectively meet these income thresholds.
A complete list of maximum allowable gross income levels for FY 2025 is provided below.
*For households larger than eight, add $673 for each additional member. Note that certain types of income may not count toward eligibility.
To apply for LIEAP, residents can pick up applications at their local DoHS offices, participating community action agencies, or senior centers operated by an Area Agency on Aging. For convenience, applications are also available online at wvpath.wv.gov.
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DoHS Assures Stability for Child Care Providers Amid Federal Rule Changes
8/22/2024
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) is aware of several reports suggesting that child care centers are facing a funding crisis and potential closure if State action is not taken or additional dollars are not transferred by the end of August.
These reports are not accurate and are needlessly causing confusion and worry among child care providers and parents alike. This statement is being issued to correct and clarify the record, which stems from a recent federal rule change regarding payments to child care providers.
A federal rule change was implemented in late February of this year to require payment to child care providers to be based on enrollment rather than attendance. DoHS has been paying these providers based on enrollment rather than attendance since 2020, using a combination of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds from the federal government. DoHS currently has funds to continue paying providers at these elevated levels by using available TANF dollars. These TANF funds will continue to be used to pay by enrollment until they are fully expended, which is now anticipated to be at the end of 2024.
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