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Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in West Virginia

Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in West Virginia

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, no‑nonsense hub designed for West Virginia single moms who need to keep the lights, heat, water, and connectivity on. Every program, agency, and step below includes a direct, descriptive link so you can act fast.


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in West Virginia Today

Start here. Act in this order.

Who Qualifies for West Virginia Energy Help and How Much You Can Get

Most families start with LIEAP for heating/cooling help, then add utility company grants if needed.

  • LIEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): For FY2025, eligibility uses 60% of state median income (with a special rule for larger households). Application windows vary, but regular heating usually runs in November, crisis in January–March, and certain cooling or equipment repair periods run December–September. Learn dates on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse WV profile and income limits on the Bureau for Family Assistance LIEAP page. Apply through WV PATH. (liheapch.acf.gov)
  • FY2025 LIEAP income limits (monthly, by household size): The state lists these monthly maximums (example: 4‑person household 4,533;add4,533; add 673 per additional person). Always check the live table on BFA’s LIEAP page before applying, and call to confirm. If you’re close to the line, ask staff to review excluded income types. (bfa.wv.gov)
  • Benefit amounts and timing: West Virginia’s FY2025 plan includes heating benefits (state minimum 1,maximum1, maximum 1,000), crisis up to 2,000,andcoolingupto2,000, and cooling up to 866, with weatherization up to $12,000 depending on need and funding. Actual amounts vary by your fuel type, arrears, and county funding. Use the LIHEAP Clearinghouse data table and ask your worker for your estimated benefit. Expect about 10–15 business days for regular LIEAP processing, faster for true crisis. (liheapch.acf.gov)
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: If LIEAP funds are gone, request Emergency LIEAP during the next announced window via the DoHS alert page, then ask your intake site to submit a Dollar Energy Fund application and contact your utility hardship program to add a payment plan. (dhhr.wv.gov)

The 20% Utility Discount Program (Special Reduced Residential Service Rate)

West Virginia law creates a winter discount for eligible gas and electric customers, and PSC rules also allow water utilities to offer similar discounts subject to approval.

  • Who qualifies: If you receive SSI (18+), WV WORKS, or SNAP (age 60+), you can qualify for a 20% reduced rate on electric and gas bills during winter billing months. Water discount programs (like WV American Water) can operate year‑round when approved. Read the statute at WV Code §24‑2A‑1 and PSC rule section SRRS discounts, and see the state’s program explanation on BFA’s LIHEAP page. (code.wvlegislature.gov)
  • How to get it: Utilities check eligibility automatically each fall. If you didn’t get the application packet, call your company or your local office. For water, WV American Water’s “Special Residential Reduced Rate” is on its Customer Assistance Programs page. (amwater.com)
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: If the discount doesn’t show on winter bills, call your utility and your county DoHS office to confirm eligibility, and forward any denial to the PSC Consumer Affairs team for help. (dhhr.wv.gov)

Quick Table — Special Reduced Residential Service Rate (SRRS)

Program link Who qualifies (summary) Months active How to act fast
WV Code §24‑2A‑1 – SRRS law SSI (18+), WV WORKS, or SNAP (60+) Electric/Gas: winter billing months Ask utility to confirm SRRS; call county DoHS if missing
PSC SRRS rule highlights 20% off standard residential rates Per approved tariffs Keep bills and any SRRS mailer; request correction
WV American Water SRRS info Company‑specific reduced water rate Often year‑round Call 1‑800‑685‑8660; ask for SRRS team

(code.wvlegislature.gov)

Last‑Resort Help: Dollar Energy Fund and Company Grants

When LIEAP and crisis funds aren’t enough, these programs can cover the final gap to stop disconnection.

  • Dollar Energy Fund — WV Utility Assistance Program: Check current status and program windows by utility. For 2024–2025, dates varied by company (for example, Appalachian Power winter window and year‑round windows for others). Requirements include a “sincere effort of payment” (recent payment, often 50–50–150) and a minimum $100 balance. See the WV Utility Assistance Program page, apply through a local intake site using the Agency Finder, or ask your utility for a referral. (dollarenergy.org)
  • Utility‑specific highlights in WV:
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask intake to submit an exception if you’re short on the “sincere effort” payment, call WV 211 for church funds to meet the gap, and ask the utility to hold disconnection for 3–5 business days while the grant posts (Dollar Energy notes 4–6 weeks to post). See Dollar Energy’s processing timeline for expectations. (wv211.org)

Table — Common WV Utility Grants and Contacts

Utility/program Max typical grant Key number Where to start
Appalachian Power Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor $300 (typical) 1‑800‑982‑4237 Payment assistance page
Mon Power/Potomac Edison via Dollar Energy Up to $500 (varies) 1‑800‑686‑0022 / 1‑800‑686‑0011 WV Dollar Energy guidelines
West Virginia American Water H2O Help to Others $350 per six months 1‑800‑685‑8660 Assistance programs
Hope Gas – assistance options Varies 1‑800‑688‑4673 Ask about Dollar Energy intake
Mountaineer Gas – termination rights Varies 1‑800‑834‑2070 Request deferred payment plan

(appalachianpower.com)

Water and Wastewater Bill Help

Gas and Electric Company Programs — What to Ask For on the Phone

Weatherization and Equipment Repair — Cut Bills for the Long Term

  • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Free home energy upgrades (insulation, air sealing, basic health/safety) for eligible households. West Virginia manages WAP through community action agencies statewide. Check eligibility, provider map, and current income limits at WVCAD’s Weatherization page and apply through your local agency listed by WVCAP. (wvcad.org)
  • LIHEAP Repair & Replace (RRP): If your furnace or AC is unsafe or non‑working, RRP may pay to repair or replace it. Dates typically run December 1–November 30 for heating/cooling. Learn eligibility (must include a child under 6, a person 60+, or someone with a disability) and find providers via WVCAD’s RRP page and the service provider map. (wvcad.org)
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: If waitlists are long, ask your utility about no‑cost audits or basic tips (see FirstEnergy bill‑management tips), and apply for RRP while you also request Dollar Energy to stop an immediate shutoff. (investors.firstenergycorp.com)

Table — Weatherization and Repair Programs

Program What it does How to apply Notes
WV Weatherization (WAP) Free home energy upgrades Contact local CAA via WVCAP agencies Income up to 200% FPL; prioritizes elderly, disabled, families
LIHEAP Repair & Replace Repair/replace unsafe HVAC Apply with local providers on WVCAD map Dates vary; check posted season
FirstEnergy tips/tools Reduce usage/bills Use online account tools Pair with WAP and LIEAP

(wvcad.org)

Internet and Phone Discounts (Post‑ACP)

State Emergency Aid Beyond LIEAP

  • Emergency Assistance (DoHS): If you have no resources and face a true crisis (utilities, rent, food, or medical), DoHS can provide short‑term help once in a 30‑day period. See the Emergency Assistance program page and find your county DoHS office for intake. Bring your shutoff notice and proof of income/expenses. (bfa.wv.gov)
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: If funds are closed, ask for a written denial and apply for Dollar Energy, then call WV 211 for local church partners and community action agencies. (dollarenergy.org)

Local Organizations, Charities, and Support Groups

These groups often cover last‑dollar balances, reconnection fees, or propane deliveries when other funds are exhausted. Always call ahead to confirm availability.

Resources by Region — Who to Call First

Diverse Communities — Tailored Notes and Resources

  • LGBTQ+ single mothers: Call the utility and ask for “non‑discrimination customer assistance” and a privacy note on your account. For appeal help, pair PSC Consumer Affairs with WV 211 to find inclusive intake sites. For phone/internet affordability, start with USAC Lifeline and ask for the National Verifier to use identity documents with your current legal name. (psc.state.wv.us)
  • Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Request a medical certification to delay shutoff under PSC Rule 150‑3‑4(e), ask for large‑print bills (utilities must make reasonable accommodations), and use West Virginia Relay 711 for TTY/Captioned calls if needed. For ongoing bill reduction, apply for WAP to lower usage. (regulations.justia.com)
  • Veteran single mothers: When budgets are tight, combine USAC Lifeline with local veteran support (ask WV 211 for county veteran groups). For emergency energy, go to E‑LIEAP and then Dollar Energy if a gap remains. (usac.org)
  • Immigrant and refugee single moms: You can apply for LIEAP with eligible immigration status; bring ID and proof of address. Use BFA LIEAP info, ask WV 211 for agencies providing interpretation, and consider West Virginia Relay if you have a hearing disability. (bfa.wv.gov)
  • Tribal‑specific resources: West Virginia has limited federally recognized Tribal lands; however, if you live on qualifying Tribal lands (including in neighboring states) you may qualify for the enhanced Lifeline Tribal benefit up to 34.25/monthandupto34.25/month and up to 100 toward connection. Ask your provider to screen you with the Tribal checkbox in the National Verifier. Pair with LIHEAP for energy assistance. (usac.org)
  • Rural single moms with limited access: Budget billing is key during long drives and outages. Use FirstEnergy’s APP/budget billing, apply for WAP, and check Internet for All WV for broadband buildouts. (investors.firstenergycorp.com)
  • Single fathers: Many programs are household‑based. Use WV PATH for LIEAP, keep PSC Consumer Affairs handy for escalations, and request Dollar Energy if you’re the utility account holder. (bfa.wv.gov)
  • Language access: Ask for interpreter services at utilities and DoHS; call WV 211 to find bilingual agencies, use WV Relay for TTY/Captioned calls, and read the FCC Lifeline pages (some resources in Spanish). (wv211.org)

How to Apply: Steps, Documents, and Timelines

  • For LIEAP (regular): Apply on WV PATH during the posted November window, or take a paper packet to your local DoHS office. Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers, proof of income (last 30 days), your utility bill, and landlord info if heat is in rent. Learn program dates on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse. Expect 10–15 business days. (bfa.wv.gov)
  • For E‑LIEAP (crisis): Walk in with a shutoff notice, termination date, and proof of recent payments. Use the DoHS crisis announcement page to confirm the active window. Same‑day decisions are common if documents are complete. (dhhr.wv.gov)
  • For Dollar Energy Fund: Call an intake site via Agency Finder, bring ID, income proof, your bill, and proof of a recent “sincere effort” payment (ask for hardship exceptions if needed). Learn company‑specific rules on WV program page. Grants can take 4–6 weeks to post; ask your utility for a hold. (dollarenergy.org)
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: File a PSC informal complaint, ask your doctor to complete the medical certification if applicable under PSC rules, and request supervisor review at your utility. (psc.state.wv.us)

Application Checklist (screenshot‑friendly)

  • Photo ID and Social Security numbers: Bring IDs for adults and SSNs for all household members. Use WV PATH to upload if allowed. (bfa.wv.gov)
  • Proof of income (last 30 days): Pay stubs, benefits letters, or child support statements; see BFA LIEAP page for current rules. (bfa.wv.gov)
  • Utility bill and account number: Electric/gas/water bill showing your name and service address; see utility portals like Appalachian Power and FirstEnergy WV for copies. (appalachianpower.com)
  • Shutoff/termination notice (for crisis): Required for E‑LIEAP or Dollar Energy; check crisis dates on DoHS announcements. (dhhr.wv.gov)
  • Landlord letter (if heat is in rent): Ask landlord to state how much of rent covers heat; upload with your WV PATH application. (bfa.wv.gov)
  • Medical certificate (if needed): Doctor, NP, or PA completes form per PSC rule 150‑3‑4; renew every 30 days if not permanent. (regulations.justia.com)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Waiting until the shutoff date: Apply for E‑LIEAP as soon as you get a termination notice, and call your utility for a hold while your case is pending. Pair with Dollar Energy if needed. (dhhr.wv.gov)
  • Missing the “sincere effort” payment for grants: Even $50 matters for water grants and many Dollar Energy programs. Ask for a hardship waiver if you truly cannot pay. (dollarenergy.org)
  • Not using medical certification when eligible: If shutoff would be dangerous, your provider can certify under PSC rules to delay disconnection. Renew on time (usually every 30 days unless permanent). (regulations.justia.com)
  • Ignoring the 20% discount program: If you receive SSI, WV WORKS, or SNAP (60+), make sure the SRRS discount is applied per WV Code §24‑2A‑1 and BFA’s explanation. (code.wvlegislature.gov)

Reality Check — Funding Gaps, Delays, and Denials

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

If Your Application Gets Denied (Troubleshooting)

  • Ask for the exact reason in writing: Then fix it and reapply. For LIEAP, read the BFA LIEAP page to confirm income rules and excluded income. For crisis, bring updated documents and re‑queue. (bfa.wv.gov)
  • Appeal and escalate: You can request a fair hearing for LIEAP and call PSC Consumer Affairs to mediate a payment plan while you appeal. Keep copies of all documents and timelines. (psc.state.wv.us)
  • Bridge the gap: While appealing, ask an intake site to submit Dollar Energy, call WV 211 for one‑time pledges, and ask your utility to note the pending grant and hold disconnection. (dollarenergy.org)

County‑Specific Variations You Should Know

  • Utility territories differ: The Eastern Panhandle is usually Potomac Edison; much of the south and Kanawha Valley is Appalachian Power; central and north often use Mon Power. Always check your bill to route to the right help line. (firstenergycorp.com)
  • Water discounts vary: The water SRRS discount depends on your provider’s PSC approval. WV American Water runs its reduced rate and H2O grants statewide; smaller systems may not. Ask your water utility to confirm. (amwater.com)
  • Local intake agencies: Use WVCAP’s agency directory to find your Community Action Agency for weatherization, RRP, and some LIEAP outreach. Some counties rely more on senior centers or churches for intake; dial WV 211 to confirm. (wvcap.org)

Frequently Asked Questions (West Virginia‑Specific)

Tables You Can Use at a Glance

Table — LIEAP and Crisis Windows (Typical, Confirm Each Year)

Component Typical season Where to verify How to apply
Regular heating November (short window) LIHEAP Clearinghouse WV WV PATH or local DoHS office
Winter crisis January–March LIHEAP dates table Walk‑in with shutoff notice
Emergency LIEAP Announced windows DoHS news Go in person; bring termination notice
Repair & Replace Year‑round (per program) WVCAD RRP Local providers via WVCAD

(liheapch.acf.gov)

Table — Proof You Usually Need

Item Why it matters Where to get help
ID/SSN for household Identity and household size DoHS field offices
30‑day income proof Eligibility for LIEAP/SRRS BFA LIEAP page
Shutoff/termination notice Required for crisis/DEF PSC model notices & rules
Recent payment receipt “Sincere effort” for grants Dollar Energy WV page

(dhhr.wv.gov)

Table — Shutoff Protections Snapshot

Protection What it does Source link
10‑day notice by mail Written notice before shutoff PSC Title 150 customer rules
Medical certification Delays shutoff if dangerous 150‑3‑4(e) medical rules
Payment arrangements Spread arrears over time Utility assistance portals

(regulations.justia.com)

Table — Water Bill Help

Program Max aid Key conditions Where to apply
H2O Help to Others $350 per 6 months 100+balance;100+ balance; 50 payment in last 90 days Intake via Agency Finder
Water SRRS discount Up to 20% off Eligibility like SSI/WV WORKS/SNAP 60+ Ask your water utility

(amwater.com)

Table — Internet/Phone After ACP

Program Monthly savings Who qualifies Where to start
Lifeline 9.25(9.25 (34.25 Tribal) Income or qualifying benefits USAC overview
ACP status (ended) N/A ACP ended June 1, 2024 ACP consumer FAQ
NDIA low‑cost plans Varies Low‑income offers from ISPs Ask your ISP to switch plans

(usac.org)

Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español (traducción generada con herramientas de IA)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide is informational, not legal advice. Always confirm program availability and rules with the official agency before you apply. Funding amounts, dates, and eligibility can change during the year. Call ahead to confirm current availability before applying, use the official links throughout this guide, and keep all receipts and notices for your records.

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