August 7, 2015—Early this week the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced its decision to release additional supplemental funds to all those who received LIHEAP payments this year. The additional $50 supplement, to be released by the end of this month, will be applied to each recipient's home heating account in an effort to help mitigate the increase in home heating costs after the harsh winter. Those who have already received a LIHEAP payment for the FFY 2015 heating season are not required to apply for the supplemental payment.
According to West Virginia's FFY 2015 State Plan, LIHEAP payments go to help the residents who live below 130 percent of HHS poverty guidelines. Households that have residents who are over the age of 60, disabled, or under the age of six are given priority. The maximum regular LIHEAP payment for FFY 2015 was set at $500.
Sources: West Virginia DHHS Press Release, West Virginia LIHEAP State Plan
