For more information contact:

Joseph Thornton, Media Coordinator/Public Information Specialist
Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
West Virginia Department of health and Human Resources
Phone: 304-558-7899 Fax: 304-558-7075
Cell: 304-546-7960 e-mail: josephthornton@wvdhhr.org

For immediate release

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources is in the process of mailing Low Income Energy Assistance Program applications to 56,817 West Virginia households. Processing of returned forms is set to begin Monday, Dec. 16.

In order to be eligible for LIEAP, a household must be responsible for the cost of home heating and the total monthly gross income of the household must fall within certain established eligibility guidelines.

"Our most precious asset in West Virginia is our people. With home heating costs on the rise due to the early arrival of cold weather this year, low income residents will have a greater need than ever for assistance," said Governor Bob Wise. "It is my hope that we are able to reach and effectively assist as many residents as possible in meeting their home heating needs."

Households already receiving forms were targeted by DHHR as having demonstrated a continuing need for assistance. General intake of applications for those households not included in the original 56,817 mailings begins on Jan. 6, 2003.

LIEAP is subject to closure without prior notice. It must be emphasized that funds are limited and the program will only provide assistance until the current funds are exhausted.

For more information call your local DHHR office, Community Action office, senior citizen center , online at www.wvdhhr.org/ofs or call toll free at 1-800-642-8589. Applications will not be available until Jan. 6, 2003.

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