The West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance, announced it will begin an automatic mass mailing of Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) applications starting on January 5, 2026.
This mailing marks the start of the LIEAP season and is designed to ensure timely access for West Virginia’s most vulnerable populations, including:
- Households that received regular LIEAP benefits during the previous season
- Older adults
- Individuals with disabilities
Households that receive an application through automatic mailing will have until January 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted, to submit their applications. Applications may be returned by mail, dropped off at their local DoHS office or online at wvpath.org.
Regular LIEAP opens to the general public on February 2, 2026.
All applicants who use a Public Services Commission-regulated utility for their primary heating source must provide a current utility bill. Households that heat with bulk fuels are required to submit verification of their fuel supplier along with a receipt. The maximum LIEAP benefit is $2,000 per household.
The maximum allowable gross income levels for LIEAP Fiscal Year 2026 are:
- 1 person: $2,454
- 2 people: $3,209
- 3 people: $3,965
- 4 people: $4,720
- 5 people: $5,475
- 6 people: $6,230
- 7 people: $6,985
- 8 people: $7,740
- 9 people: $8,495
- 10 people: $9,250
For each additional person, add $688. Social Security and Veterans benefits are excluded from income calculations.
For assistance or questions, contact your local DoHS office or call the Office of Constituent Services’ Client Services Unit at 1-800-642-8589 or email osaclientservices@wv.gov.
