WV HUB

Please pass on this information about the Low Income Energy Assistance Program and other utility assistance programs, as well as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Low Income Energy Assistance Program - (LIEAP)

Public Intake for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) will run for a two- week period this year. It will begin on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 and run through Friday, January 27, 2012. All applications must be received or postmarked by January 27, 2012. Any applications received after this date will be denied.

Applications may be obtained at local DHHR offices, Community Action agencies, or senior centers operated by an Area Agency on Aging. The online application will also be available on the DHHR website at www.wvinroads.org. In situations where a heating emergency exists, applicants must be seen by a DHHR Worker.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) assists eligible households with the cost of home heating through direct cash payments or payments to utility companies on their behalf. A crisis component is available for households without resources facing the loss of a heating source. Eligibility for both program components is based on a combination of factors, including income, type of heating payment, and total heating costs.

LIEAP is funded entirely by a federal block grant. The program's duration and the amount of the payment is dependent on the amount of the grant. A portion of the grant is transferred to the Office of Economic Opportunity for the Weatherization Program. Applicants for LIEAP may be referred to Weatherization for additional assistance.

The Division of Family Assistance (DFA) operates LIEAP in each of the DHHR field offices for a short time each winter, usually beginning with an automated payment or a mail-out to targeted households. In addition, DFA contracts with the Community Action network and with regional Agency on Aging offices to perform outreach and accept LIEAP applications at their local sites. Find more information here.

20% Discount Program

The Special Reduced Residential Service Rate Program (20% Utility Discount Program) was established by statute to assist certain eligible participants in receiving a 20% discount from their electric and/or gas company.

In order to be eligible for this rate reduction, one must be a recipient of either SSI, WV WORKS, or SNAP (former Food Stamp Program) AND be 60 years of age or older. One must be a recipient of one of these programs during November, December, January, February, and March to get the discount for that month.

The electric and/or gas company will be responsible for determining your eligibility for the Special Reduced Residential Service Rate.

Tel-Assistance/LIFELINE and Link-Up

Through Tel-Assistance/Lifeline, telephone companies offer reduced basic service to eligible low-income elderly and disabled customers. The Division of Family Assistance issues applications to eligible recipients and provides ongoing eligibility information to the telephone companies and informs them when customers are no longer eligible for Tel-Assistance. This is handled centrally by the Division of Family Assistance.

Through Link Up, telephone companies offer a discount on telephone installation to low-income households. Applications and certification of eligibility are handled centrally by the Division of Family Assistance.

VITA Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $50,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing. To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-906-9887. Or they can call their local CAP (Community Action Partnership) www.wvcommunityactionpartnership.org.