West Virginia calls its LIHEAP program “LIEAP” — the Low Income Energy Assistance Program — administered by the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance. LIEAP is notable for two things unique in this series: a very narrow application window (often just 2–3 weeks in February) and a statewide mandatory 20% winter rate discount — all gas and electric utilities in West Virginia are required to offer a 20% rate reduction from November through March to eligible customers receiving SSI, SNAP (food stamps), or WV Works who are age 60 or older.
West Virginia also has an active SNAP soda and energy drink ban — see West Virginia SNAP soda ban for details.
What Does West Virginia LIEAP Cover?
Heating Assistance — a payment toward home heating costs, applied directly to the utility or fuel vendor. Benefit range: $1 minimum to $10,000 maximum. Program period: November 1 through September 30 (applications accepted once per year during a short window announced each year — for FY 2026, this was February 2–20, 2026).
Cooling Assistance — for households with a qualifying need for cooling assistance. Benefit range: $1 minimum to $10,000 maximum. Program period: December 1 through September 30.
Cooling Assistance Special Requirements: For the LIEAP Repair and Replacement Program (cooling unit), a household must include a member who is:
- Age 60 or older, OR
- Living with a documented disability, OR
- A child age 5 or younger
Standard income-eligible households without a qualifying vulnerable member may not receive cooling equipment assistance.
Winter Crisis Assistance (Emergency LIEAP) — emergency heating help for households facing an immediate crisis. Maximum: $2,000. Program period: January 1 through August 30. Opening date announced separately from regular LIEAP. Contact your local DoHS office immediately if you face a heating emergency.
LIEAP Repair and Replacement Program — available to homeowners with unsafe or malfunctioning/non-operable heating and/or cooling systems. This program replaces broken heating or cooling equipment. Cooling unit assistance has the vulnerability requirement listed above. Apply through the MyLitt website or through a Community Action Agency.
Weatherization Assistance — free home energy efficiency upgrades. Maximum: $12,000. Income limit: 200% FPL (more inclusive than LIEAP’s 60% SMI). Year-round.
West Virginia’s 20% Winter Rate Discount — Statewide Utility Mandate
West Virginia is one of the few states where all gas and electric utilities are required to provide a 20% rate reduction from November through March (the winter period) to qualifying low-income customers. To qualify for the 20% discount, the customer must:
- Receive SSI, WV Works (TANF), or Food Stamps (SNAP), AND
- Be age 60 or older (SSI recipients must be 18+)
- Be a current recipient of one of these programs during November, December, January, February, and March
This discount is automatic — as a Commission Order, utilities are legally required to apply it. The discount is separate from LIEAP and does not require a separate LIEAP application. Contact your utility company to confirm enrollment.
West Virginia LIEAP Income Limits 2026
West Virginia uses 60% of State Median Income (SMI) for households of 1–7 members, and 150% of Federal Poverty Level for households of 8 or more. Weatherization uses 200% FPL.
The official FY 2026 maximum allowable gross monthly income levels (published by DoHS February 2, 2026):
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,454 |
| 2 | $3,209 |
| 3 | $3,965 |
| 4 | $4,720 |
| 5 | $5,475 |
| 6 | $6,230 |
| 7 | $6,372 |
| 8 | $6,769 |
| 9 | $7,456 |
| 10 | $8,144 |
| Each additional | +$688/month |
Source: West Virginia DoHS official press release, February 2, 2026. Confirmed by News and Sentinel and WVNSTV coverage. Add $688/month for each additional member beyond 10.
For a national comparison of LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: West Virginia LIEAP has no asset test.
“All household members must meet program requirements” — West Virginia’s income requirement applies to the collective household: all members collectively must meet the income threshold. No individual exclusion for household members.
Some types of income may be excluded: West Virginia explicitly notes that certain income types may not count toward LIEAP eligibility. Confirm with your local DoHS office or community action agency if you have unusual income sources.
The Narrow Application Window — Apply Immediately When Open
West Virginia LIEAP’s application window is one of the most distinctive features in this series — often just 2–3 weeks. For FY 2026, the window was February 2 through February 20 (19 days). Previous years have had similar short windows.
Once the program closes, applications submitted after closing will be denied — including applications received by mail after closure. The Bureau for Family Assistance states this explicitly: “Once the program closes, applications will no longer be accepted, and those received by mail after closure will be denied.”
Monitor DoHS announcements at dohs.wv.gov, through your local DoHS office, or via West Virginia media outlets each fall and early winter for the upcoming LIEAP application dates.
Who Qualifies for West Virginia LIEAP
- West Virginia residency as primary dwelling
- Income at or below 60% WV SMI (households of 1–7) or 150% FPL (households of 8+)
- Responsible for home heating or cooling costs — directly billed or included in rent
- All household members collectively meet income requirements
Both homeowners and renters qualify. Individuals who are denied may reapply if the program is still open, or may request a fair hearing.
How to Apply for West Virginia LIEAP
Step 1 — Monitor Application Opening Date
Watch for the annual announcement from DoHS at dohs.wv.gov. The application window is typically announced in late fall or early winter. For FY 2026, the window opened February 2 and closed February 20.
Step 2 — Apply Online, In Person, or By Mail
Online: Apply at wvpath.wv.gov — West Virginia’s online benefits portal. This is the fastest method.
In person: Visit your local DoHS office (formerly DHHR). A directory of offices is available at dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Pages/Field-Offices.aspx. West Virginia Community Action Agencies and Senior Centers also accept applications.
By phone: Call 1-800-642-8589 to locate your nearest DoHS office or Community Action Agency.
For a general overview of the LIEAP process, see how to apply for LIHEAP. West Virginia’s DoHS contacts are in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
Community Action Agencies: Find your county’s CAA at wvcap.org/agencies/.
Senior Centers: West Virginia Senior Centers also accept LIEAP applications. Find your nearest center at wvdscs.org/senior-centers/.
Step 3 — Required Documents
- Photo ID for the applicant
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of gross household income — pay stubs, SNAP/SSI/WV Works award letters, Social Security benefit statements
- Most recent heating utility bill or fuel delivery receipt
- Documentation of emergency (for crisis assistance — shutoff notice or fuel depletion)
Step 4 — Processing
Allow at least 30 days for DoHS to process your application. If you have not received a notice of decision after 30 days, call to check status. To follow up, contact your local DoHS office or see how to track your LIHEAP application status.
West Virginia LIEAP Funding 2026
West Virginia’s federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026 is published at dohs.wv.gov. In FY 2024, West Virginia served 45,270 heating households and 3,235 winter crisis households, with 586 weatherization projects. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare West Virginia with other states.
West Virginia Utility Assistance Programs
20% Winter Rate Discount (Mandatory) — all gas and electric utilities must provide a 20% discount November through March to eligible SSI (18+), SNAP, or WV Works recipients age 60 or older. Contact your utility to confirm enrollment.
WV Works (TANF): West Virginia’s TANF program is called WV Works. WV Works recipients receiving the 20% utility discount must be age 60 or older.
West Virginia SNAP soda ban: West Virginia prohibits certain SNAP purchases. See West Virginia SNAP soda ban for what is and isn’t covered.
Additional Resources for West Virginia Families
West Virginia SNAP (Food Stamps): Check West Virginia SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in West Virginia.
West Virginia Medicaid: Check West Virginia Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check West Virginia WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across West Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income limits for West Virginia LIEAP?
For households of 1–7: 60% of State Median Income (e.g., $4,720/month for a household of 4 in FY 2026). For households of 8+: 150% FPL. There is no asset limit. All household members collectively must meet the threshold. Confirm the current table at dohs.wv.gov.
When does West Virginia LIEAP open?
The application window is announced annually — typically a short 2–3 week period in late winter. For FY 2026, it was February 2–20. Monitor dohs.wv.gov for the FY 2026 announcement.
What is the Emergency LIEAP?
West Virginia’s Emergency LIEAP (Winter Crisis Program) opens separately from regular LIEAP, typically in January. Maximum benefit: $2,000. If you face a heating emergency outside the regular window, contact your local DoHS office immediately.
What is the 20% winter utility rate discount?
All West Virginia gas and electric utilities are legally required (by Commission Order) to provide a 20% rate reduction from November through March to customers who receive SSI, SNAP, or WV Works AND are age 60 or older (SSI recipients 18+). Contact your utility to confirm enrollment.
For current West Virginia LIEAP information and to apply, visit wvpath.wv.gov or dohs.wv.gov, or call 1-800-642-8589.