WV DoHS Extending Deadline to Apply for Low Income Energy Assistance

The West Virginia Bureau for Family Assistance, which is part of the Department of Human Services (DoHS), has just announced that they are extending the deadline to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) by two weeks. This new deadline requires that applications can only be submitted in person by December 13, 2024 at your local DoHS Office or if mailed there, they must be postmarked by December 13^th.

The program is federally funded and is designed to ensure that low-income households can receive financial support to help them pay their winter heating bills. These are direct cash payments or payments made to utility companies on their behalf. To be eligible to receive this assistance, paying the utility bill must done by the household members. For example, If the home is rented, and the landlord includes the paying the heating bill as part of the rent, then the household would not be eligible to receive assistance from this program and likewise if other family members not living there are paying the heating bill for them, the household member would not be eligible

The maximum gross income levels that can receive this benefit also depends on the number of people who reside in the household.  For example, a one-person household can have a gross income of up to $2357. A 2-person household’s income can be up to $3082, a 3-person household up to $3808. A complete maximum income listing for up to a 10-person household is included at the end of this story on our website, www.alleghenymountainradio.org.

Some types of income may not count against eligibility limits –so, check with your DoHS local office about that.

Applications have been mailed to residents who are most vulnerable, including those who received LIEAP benefits last season. Residents can also access applications in the following ways:

• Online: Visit wv.gov to download and complete an application.
• In Person: Applications are available at local DoHS county offices, community action agencies, or senior centers operated by Area Agencies on Aging.

The DoHS also reminds applicants that they must submit or mail their completed applications only to their local DoHS Office, which for Pocahontas County is:

Physical Address: #2 Edray Business Park, Marlinton, WV 24954\

Mailing Address: Pocahontas County DHHR Office, #2 Edray Business Park, Marlinton, WV 24954

Phone: (304) 799-2540

Fax: (304) 799-2560

Hours of Operation: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Monday thru Friday

Below are the LIEAP income guidelines for Fiscal Year 2025 (the current fiscal year):