West Virginia State Health Insurance Assistance Program (WV SHIP)
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Utilities and phone
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) (LIHEAP) in West Virginia
West Virginia's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps with home heating costs through a payment to your utility or fuel dealer, or sometimes a direct payment.
It is open only a short time each winter, planned for November 2026 if funding allows, and some past recipients get an automatic payment or an application in the mail first. Emergency LIEAP opens after regular LIEAP closes and runs until the money is gone.
How to apply in West Virginia
- By phone
- 1-800-642-8589
- In person
- Once the program opens, get and turn in an application at your county DoHS office, a Community Action agency, or a senior center (regional Agency on Aging offices also take applications). DoHS lists county offices on its Field Offices page.
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify in West Virginia
| Gross monthly income limit, one person (FY 2027) | $2,550 a month for one person (60% of state median income) Source: West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance (source 1) |
|---|---|
| Gross monthly income limit, two people (FY 2027) | $3,335 a month for two people (60% of state median income) Source: West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance (source 1) |
| Who pays the bill | Your household must be responsible for the cost of home heating Source: West Virginia Department of Human Services (source 2) |
What you may get
| Emergency LIEAP | Apply in person at a DoHS office if you get a shut-off notice from your heating company or run out, or nearly run out, of bulk fuel. Emergency LIEAP opens after regular LIEAP closes and runs until funds are exhausted. Source: West Virginia Department of Human Services (source 2) |
|---|---|
| Repair and Replacement Program | For homeowners with an unsafe or broken heating or cooling system. Cooling unit help requires someone 60 or older, disabled, or 5 or younger. Apply at mylitt.com or a Community Action agency. Source: West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance (source 1) |
Dates, renewals and waiting lists
| Regular LIEAP (FY 2027 plan) | Planned to run during November 2026, starting Nov. 2, if funding is available. DoHS will announce the opening and may close the program without notice. |
|---|---|
| Winter crisis (FY 2027 plan) | Jan. 1 to March 15, 2027 |
| Summer cooling crisis (FY 2027 plan) | Some time between June 1 and July 31, 2027, only if funding is available |
| Early notice for older adults | Past recipients with someone elderly, disabled or 5 or younger in the home are mailed the application dates in October, before the program opens |
Source: West Virginia Department of Human Services (source 3)
How West Virginia is different
Where West Virginia's rules differ from the federal rules for LIHEAP heating and cooling help.
- Past recipients with someone 60 or older, disabled or a young child get notice of the dates by mail before opening, and some targeted households get an automatic payment.
- West Virginia's state-run 20% Discount Program cuts gas and electric bills (November to March) and American Water bills (all year) for SNAP recipients over 60, SSI recipients 18 and older, and WV WORKS recipients.
- Cooling help comes only through repair or replacement of cooling units, for households with someone 60 or older, disabled or 5 or younger.
Sources: West Virginia Department of Human Services (source 2), West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance (source 1)
Good to know
- Applications are processed within 30 days of receipt or of the opening date, whichever is later. Don't mail LIEAP forms to your heating company.
- Applications for the 20% Discount Program are mailed out automatically each October.
Sources: West Virginia Department of Human Services (source 2), West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance (source 1)
Free help
Free help with this in West Virginia
Bureau of Senior Services
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in West Virginia
Help with heating and cooling bills in another state
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Sources
- West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance, Utility Assistance/LIEAP (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- West Virginia Department of Human Services, LIEAP Fact Sheet, FY 2027 (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- West Virginia Department of Human Services, FY 2027 WV LIHEAP State Model Plan (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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