West Virginia Offering Low-Income Heating Assistance

West Virginia is accepting applications for low-income people who need helping paying heating bills.

The Department of Health and Human Resources says it began accepting applications Monday for its Emergency Low Income Energy Assistance Program. They’ll be accepted until funding runs out.

The federally-funded program requires residents using either gas or electricity for heat to provide shut-off notices when applying.

People using other sources or bulk fuel must show their heating fuel is at a low level during the application period.

Eligibility is based on income, household size and whether the household pays for heating bills.

Residents who received direct payments of benefits must include receipts proving the money was used for heating.

Applicants must meet income caps, from $1,276 for a one-person household to $5,332 for a 10-person household.