West Virginia energy-assistance applications go out November 2

Applications for West Virginia’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) will begin going out by mail November 2. Households have until November 25 to submit pre-LIEAP applications.

The program offers up to $2,000 per household, but funding is limited and assistance will be awarded first come, first served, according to a release from the West Virginia Department of Human Services.

Last season, the state closed applications February 9 because regular LIEAP funding ran out, as My Buckhannon reported February 6.

The Bureau for Family Assistance’s mailing criteria include households that received regular LIEAP benefits last season and those with a child younger than 6, an adult 60 or older or a person with a disability.

Households can submit the application online at wvpath.org, send it back by mail or deliver it to a local department office.

A current utility bill must accompany applications from households whose main heating source is a utility regulated by the Public Service Commission. Those using bulk fuels must send a receipt and verification of their fuel supplier.

The chart below gives the maximum gross monthly income by household size for federal fiscal year 2027.

For households larger than 10 people, the monthly income limit increases by $710 for each additional person. Social Security and veterans benefits do not count toward the income limit.

For help, households can contact their local department office or reach the Office of Constituent Services’ Client Services Unit by calling 1-800-642-8589 or emailing osaclientservices@wv.gov.