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Help Me Pay: West Virginia

If you're having trouble paying your gas bill, below you'll find several resources that can help.

Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program

For WV Renters and Landlords

The Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program is now open and accepting applications. If you are a renter who is struggling to pay rent or utilities because of financial hardship due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for assistance.

If you are a landlord and your tenants are struggling with rent or utility payments, they may also be eligible for rental assistance, with rental payments sent directly to you.

Am I Eligible?

In general, the program is designed to assist West Virginia residential renters with:

  • An annual income of no more than *80 percent of area median income (AMI); and
  • One or more household members has qualified for unemployment benefits, experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak; and
  • One or more household members are at risk of homelessness or housing instability such as a past due utility or rent notice or an eviction notice.

Households receiving ongoing State, federal, or local subsidy (e.g. Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, or Project-Based Rental Assistance) may be eligible to receive assistance for the tenant-owed portion of rent or utilities under certain circumstances.

What Expenses Are Covered?

Eligible Expenses may include:

  • Past due and current rent beginning April 1, 2020 and up to three months forward rent
  • Past due and current water, sewer, gas, electric and home energy costs such as propane
  • A one-time $300 stipend for internet expenses so you can use the internet for distance learning, telework, telemedicine and/or to obtain government services

Generally, rental payments will be made directly to the landlord and utility payments will be made directly to the utility company on behalf of the household. Rents or utilities that have already been paid are not eligible.

Learn More & Apply

West Virginia Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

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The West Virginia 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.

LIEAP is a federally funded program to help customers meet their home heating needs. These funds are grants that do not need to be paid back. If you meet the eligibility guidelines and qualify for these grants, these funds can be applied directly to your Peoples account.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services (DHHR) will be accepting applications for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) beginning Monday, April 24, 2023, and ending at close of business on Friday, April 28,2023, or until funds are exhausted.

2023 LIEAP Eligibility

Family Size Monthly Income
1 $2,049
2 $2,680
3 $3,310
4 $3,941
5 $4,571
6 $5,201
7 $5,829
8 $6,419
9 $7,009
10 $7,599

Apply Now

LIEAP CRISIS - WV

For customers in West Virginia, there is a CRISIS component of LIEAP. This CRISIS program is available for households without resources facing the loss of a heating source. Eligibility for CRISIS is based on a combination of factors, including income, type of heating payment, and total heating costs.

Learn More

Special Reduced Residential Rate Service (SRRRS)

Eligible customers can receive 20% off their bill from November 1st until March 31st of the following year. Anyone who receives the following benefits are eligible:

  • SSI
  • West Virginia Works (TANF in WV)
  • SNAP (food stamps), and 60 years old or higher

For an application, contact the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHR) in October at 1-800-642-8589.

Once you receive the applicaiton from DHHR, please complete it and mail it to:

Peoples
375 North Shore Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
ATTN: Customer Relations

Emergency Assistance Help

Customers who have exhausted all other forms of assistance and who are 130% or less of the Federal Poverty Level can apply once a year for Emergency Assistance help with:

  • Rent
  • Utility help
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Transportation
  • Medical bills

Apply at your local DHHR office or call 304-558-0684. The grant can be mailed directly to Peoples and applied as a cash payment.

More Help Is Available

  • Medical Certification - Termination Notice

    If you have a current termination notice please call 1-800-764-0111 before printing this form to learn more about the Medical Certification process.

    If your account is eligible for a Medical Certification, we will delay termination of service for up to 30 days if you or anyone living in your home is seriously ill. You must have a licensed physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner complete the Medical Certification Form.

    In addition to submitting the signed Medical Certification, you must also make arrangements to pay your gas bill. Contact us with household income and occupant information and, if you are eligible, we’ll provide you with a monthly payment arrangement while maintaining protection under the Medical Certification.

    DOWNLOAD FORM

  • West Virginia Utility Assistance Program

    Dollar Energy Fund’s West Virginia Utility Assistance Program assists eligible utility customers with their gas, electric, and water bills. Eligible customers receive a one-time grant applied directly to their utility bill. The program is a last-resort fund, because it goes above and beyond what is available through federal, state, and other programs.

    West Virginia Utility Assistance Program
  • West Virginia Community Action Partnership (WVCAP)

    WVCAP is an alliance of Community Action Agencies that supports and strengthens our members, advocates for low-income individuals and families, and promotes partnerships.

    West Virginia Community Action Partnership
  • Call 2-1-1 for help 24/7

    2-1-1 is a free, confidential hotline that connects people from all communities and of all ages to essential health and human services they need. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    Learn more about how West Virginia 2-1-1 can help you.

    Call 2-1-1 for help 24/7

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