The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) has recently announced the launch of the Emergency Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) application period.
Eligible Residents Can Apply For Federal Energy Bill Assistance
From June 26, 2023, until June 30, 2023, or until the allocated funds are depleted, eligible state residents can apply for assistance in paying their home energy bills through this federally funded program.
To be considered for Emergency LIEAP, residents whose primary energy source is gas or electricity must provide a shut-off notice as proof when submitting their application. However, individuals using other primary energy sources or bulk fuel may also qualify if their energy fuel is at a critically low level during the application period.
Households that have previously received regular LIEAP benefits are required to provide verification that the payment was used for home energy expenses. It is essential to include a current receipt along with the Emergency LIEAP application. Failure to provide this verification may result in the application being denied.
LIEAP Eligibility Depends On Income, Household Size, and Energy Bill Responsibility
Eligibility for LIEAP benefits is determined based on factors such as income, household size, and responsibility for paying the home energy bill. The income limit for the fiscal year 2023 is set at 60% of the state median income. In cases where there is an energy emergency, applicants must undergo an assessment by a DHHR worker to determine their eligibility for the program.
To qualify for Emergency LIEAP, households must meet all program guidelines and demonstrate that they are currently experiencing an emergency situation where their primary home energy source is at risk of disruption if adequate assistance is not provided.
The maximum allowable gross income levels for Emergency LIEAP in fiscal year 2023 are based on household size, with an additional amount of $590 added for each additional person. It is important to note that households exceeding the specified maximum income limit are ineligible for the program. However, certain types of income, including Social Security and Veterans income, will be excluded during the current application period.
Residents who wish to apply for Emergency LIEAP can visit their local DHHR office. A comprehensive list of local offices can be found on the official DHHR website. The DHHR is committed to providing support to individuals and families in need and ensuring fair and equitable access to energy assistance programs.
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