PDF or JPEG picture files can be submitted. Due to funding limitations, applications are now limited to first time applicants only who may apply for past due and current rent only. West Virginia 211 can be accessed in several different ways and is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. "If you're a homeowner, especially if you've been hurting financially . Property must be the renters primary residence. For gas and electric, one must be a recipient of one of these programs during November, December, January, February, and March to get the discount for that month. Links to PHA websites. Homeowners without a mortgage may still qualify for help with utilities, taxes, and other eligible housing costs. CWEP sponsors must provide Workers' Compensation or comparable coverage. Co-owners are not permitted to separately apply for the WVHR Program. Rentermust also provide evidence of a history of past rental payments to the landlordand utility payments to a utility provider. CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) Applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) to help West Virginians pay home heating bills has been extended until Friday, Feb. 5 . West Virginia PATH (People's Access To Help) provides individuals the ability to apply for Medicaid, WVCHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program), SNAP, Medicare Premium Assistance Programs, LIEAP, and School Clothing Allowance. The one-time $300 internet stipend is paid directly to the applicant. For up-to-date information, check out our Facebook page. Documentation substantiating Eligible Expenses. The Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program, administered by the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF), offers direct financial assistance to renters who have lost their job, had their income reduced, or suffered a significant cost or financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rates mentioned in news posts may not reflect current rates. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) provides a grant to purchase Refugee Social Services through a contract with the West Virginia Office of Migration and Refugee Services, part of Catholic Community Charities. Renters that have an ownership interest in their primary rental residence (including, but not limited to, lease-to-own agreements, lease purchase agreements, lease with option to purchase agreements, or land contracts) are NOT eligible. Household income cannot exceed 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or 100% of the median income for the United States, whichever is greater. Eligibility for LIHWAP benefits is based on income, household size and whether the household is responsible for paying water or wastewater bills. Will the rent and utility payments be paid directly to me? Are late fees included in eligible rental expenses? To apply, contact or visit the management office of each apartment building that interests you. As required under the MRAP program, a pool of funds is set aside to assist those with household income at or below 50% ofArea Median Income(AMI)or where at least one household member has received unemployment compensation for at least 90 days prior to application date. Applications will be accepted through an online application portal using your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Will I still receive my three months of future rent? No. However,eligible households may qualify for MRAP assistance for eligible expenses that are not covered by another source. Will MRAP and its partner organizations request applicant information? Homeowners must complete and sign the Application, Disclosures, Attestation and 3rd Party Authorization, and any other forms as specified by the WVHR Program. Submitting a West Virginia Section 8 application is the first step in getting a housing choice voucher. Funding for the transition was awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). FEATURED LOCAL NEWS. If you are homeless or have issues with housing instability, contact one of our community partner agencies for assistance: West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness, Serving Randolph, Barbour, Tucker, Lewis, Upshur, and Pendleton, Serving Marion, Monongalia, Preston, and Taylor, Clarksburg Harrison Regional Housing Authority, Serving Mingo, Logan, Wayne, McDowell, and Wyoming, Southwestern Community Action of West Virginia, Serving Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, and Wayne, Greater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless, Serving Brooke, Hancock, Ohio, Marshall and Wetzel. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human [] The program provides financial assistance to renters who have lost their job, had their income reduced or suffered a significant cost or financial hardship . Is this payment included in my gross income? The original, unpaid principal balance of the homeowners first mortgage or housing loan, at the time of origination, was not greater than the conforming loan limit in effect at time of origination. The program is now only accepting applications from first-time applicants who have not received funding as a member of any household. Financial Assistance. Applicants are required to attend orientation to learn about available activities and services and for an explanation of the 60-month lifetime limit for receipt of benefits. With options for using 988 through voice calls, chat, and text, individuals can receive the help they need in the way that is most convenient and comfortable for them. MRAP funds will not be awarded for rents or utilities that have been or will be reimbursed under any other federal,stateor local assistance program. The W-9 provides correct tax identification number for possible reporting of income to the IRS. Eligibility for both program components is based on a . Applicants may also be eligible for a one-time $300 internet stipend, eviction expenses, relocation expenses, and recovery assistance program fees. The Fund bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. 304-636-4875. Catholic Charities West Virginia - Weston Region Office (Basic Needs & Emergency Assistance) 1513 Harrison Avenue, Suite C10. Why haven't I received assistance? The electric, gas, and/or water companies will be responsible for determining eligibility for the Special Reduced Residential Service Rate. Callers can also dial the new Suicide & Crisis Lifelinethree-digit number, 988. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20410 T: 202-708-1112 Yes. State of West Virginia Tenant-Based Rental Assistance 56 $30,953 . THE MOUNTAINEER RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM APPLICATION PORTAL IS CLOSED. DHHR provides services in all 55 counties through a dedicated staff of nearly 6,000 individuals., Jeffrey H.Coben, M.D., Interim Secretary, DHHR Mission Statement|DHHR Organization Chart, Client Services A signed lease will be required prior to receiving MRAP assistance. By simply dialing 211, those in need of assistance can be referred, and sometimes connected, to appropriate agencies and community organizations. This period of eligibility is available for a six-month period following case closure. Applicants may provide evidence that at least one member of the household is currently receiving assistance through the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program (TANF); the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Section 8 or other government subsidized rent, or Medicaid to meet MRAPs income requirements. Yes No 3. Geo resource failed to load. to assign to the Department benefits available to any I agree medical assistance recipient from any thirdparty source as a result . I thought I was eligible for 18 months of assistance. Property Charge Assistance covers past-due amounts including real property taxes, hazard insurance premiums, flood or wind insurance premiums, ground rents, condominium fees, cooperative maintenance fees, planned unit development fees, homeowners association fees, or common charges not included in monthly mortgage payments. Valley Health. Virtual Family Assistance Center. United Way. Homeowners must describe and attest to a financial hardship after January 21, 2020, such as job loss, a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs for health care or experienced other financial hardship due, directly, or indirectly, to the Covid-19 outbreak. What document file formats are accepted for online applications? Roommates with separate leasesmust qualify independently for MRAP assistance. The exact amount of rent assistance that is available depends on the program and the individual's circumstances. Most people who receive a monthly WV WORKS check also receive SNAP and Medicaid, but these are not guaranteed based just on receipt of a check. Contact Us 350 Capitol Street, Room 730 Charleston, WV 25301 Ph: (304) 205-6357 Fx: (304) 558-4194 Contact Us How is information provided by the applicant renter used or shared? The program benefits are determined by the burial rate and, when applicable, the amount which exceeds the maximum allowable. I sent in an appeal. Supplemental NutritionAssistanceProgram-SNAP, LIEAP (Home energy assistance)/Utility Assistance, Income Maintenance Manual Changes & Archives. of all counties. I am a landlord and have received MRAP rental payments on behalf of my tenant. The database can be located by clickinghere.This program is a collaborative project of the United Ways of West Virginia. The program is designed to provide rental assistance to single person families that Updated 3/1/2023 11:49 am. In West Virginia, the SNAP is known as West Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamp Program) and is administered by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). Applications are not guaranteed to be funded for the full amount requested. For Program Year 2020, WV WAP received $4,454,927. If a document is unclear,applicantswill be contacted to resubmit informationand cause a delay in processing your application. In situations where a heating emergency exists, applicants must contact a DHHR worker for case evaluation. Eligible participants may receive educational programs including assessment, vocational training, college, job skills related to employment and education related to employment. CFDA Number and Name: 81.402 - Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons. 304-256-6930 407 Neville Street Beckley, WV 25801. https://pua.workforcewv.org/vosnet/loginintro.aspx?plang=E. Log into your application at any time to check its status. For more information about the LIEAP program, contact your local DHHR office. The database also has information on disaster related services. Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Rentersmay alsobe eligible for future rent paymentsin 3-month incrementseven if you are not behind on rent at the time of yourapplication. Tenants: If you have received an eviction notice from your landlord, contact Legal Aid of West Virginia for free legal assistance at 304-343-3013. Property may be an apartment, house, condominium, or mobile home. A signed lease will be required prior to receiving MRAP assistance. The Emergency Assistance program is used to assist individuals and families in meeting financial crises when they are without available resources. If your landlord registers your name before you apply, you will get a message that someone has registered you and you will be asked to create a login for the application portal. 1-800-642-8589 Except for limited circumstances, rent payments will be made directly to landlords and not to tenants. MRAP is managed by the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF). Are trailer homes and trailer rental lots eligible? The Salvation Army- Morgantown offers Social Service assistance to help those in financial crisis. Relocation expense including security deposits, application fees, and/or utility service deposit/connection fees incurred on or after April 1, 2020. What does Application Statuspending landlord review mean? To learn more about 988, visit theSAMHSA website., Child Care Assistance and Early Childhood Resources, American Rescue Plan (ARP) Stabilization Funds, Family Resource Networks Reports and Data, Bureau for Family Assistance Monthly Reports to the Secretary. we can assist you in setting up employee child care assistance . The burial assistance program assists with payment up to $1000 toward the cost of funeral expenses for an indigent adult or child. . Can renters who receive assistance through the MRAP be evicted for non-payment of rent? Justice announced that a new program - called the West Virginia Homeowners Rescue Program - will provide assistance to West Virginia homeowners who have experienced a financial hardship related to COVID-19. Will I be notified if I am deemed ineligible for assistance? Placements with JOIN sponsors try and match the client's interest. Rental payments you receive, either from the tenant or on your tenants behalf, are includible in your gross income. For JOIN the amount of SNAP and cash assistance received, divided by the federal or state minimum wage, whichever is highest, will determine the number of hours to be worked not to exceed 40 hours per week. The appeal decision is a final action. Do I have to tell my landlord that I applied for this program? Behavorial Health Referral & Outreach Call Center, Report Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20410 To be eligible for the Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program applicants must: *Click hereto view theAMIincome limits for your county. Sadly, many people in West Virginia have a hard time making ends meet. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help. In addition, each adult or emancipated minor is required to negotiate a personal responsibility contract. Yes,new renters are eligible. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is currently unavailablefor application, as the federal funding has not yet been released. Links to external websites are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the West Virginia Housing Development Fund of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. Funding will not be reserved for incomplete applications. Are these payments included in my gross income? Links to external websites are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the West Virginia Housing Development Fund of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. Can he do that? Morgantown, WV. Is it being considered? Can I be reimbursed for those payments? There are ways to get the services you need. I applied for the Homeowner Rescue Program. The tenant must alsoprovide evidence that the household has paid rent and utilitiesin place of a lease agreement. To be eligible forthe West Virginia Homeowners Rescue Program: Assistance Payments will be paid directly to the mortgage loan servicer or the applicable vendor. For more information, please contact your local DHHR office. If an applicant has found a place to live but has not signed a lease yet, the applicant and the future landlord can submit a Future Lease Certification form and request current and up to three months future rent if the applicant is not related to the landlord or an employee of the landlord. Landlords still have to abide by the programs terms and conditions. The DPA Mortgage Assistance provides funds to eliminate or reduce past-due payments on down payment assistance loans provided by a government entity or nonprofit. Do renters have to apply for rental assistance to receive utility assistance? You can also contact your utility company for information on a number of different assistance programs that are available to help low-income utility customers. If you violate the terms and conditions, you must return the money to MRAP. Tenants: If you have received an eviction notice from your landlord, contact Legal Aid of West Virginia for free legal assistance at 304-343-3013. For additional information or assistance, pick up your phone and dial Homeowners must be delinquent at least 60 days to receive assistance. Salvation army of Morgantown offers utility and rental assistance. All applications are reviewed for complete documentation and to establish eligibility. Offers emergency utility bill help to those who qualify. Applications that could be considered eligible may not receive assistance if funding is no longer available under the program. You may be eligible for utilities that are not covered/not included in your rent. If the landlord will notagree to sign the Certification of Lease formis the tenant eligible for assistance? However, if a landlord does not cooperate, the MRAP can pay the assistance directly to the applicant. Applicants moving into a new residence may also request assistance for security deposits, application fees, and utility service deposit and connection fees. TRAILS is a mobile resource program designed to improve the quality and availability of child care services in West Virginia. One . This is handled centrally by the Division of Family Assistance. 2021 AHAR Part 1 Released, Sheltered Homelessness Declined 22.7 percent in West Virginia. Applications for those with eviction and/or utility disconnect notices or disconnections will also be prioritized. The Special Reduced Residential Service Rate Program (20% Utility Discount Program) was established by statute to assist certain eligible participants in receiving a 20% discount from their electric, gas, and/or water companies. I have been relying on credit cards or borrowing money to pay my rent. Assistive technology items for providers who care for children with special needs.. Boththe participant andlandlord will receive notification thattherental payment has been made. TRAILS offers: Welcome to our new website. However,participantsmay wish to contact their landlord for confirmation. DHHR contracts with ten emergency shelters and four coalitions statewide to provide the basic If there is no written lease agreement, is the tenant eligible for assistance? No but telling your landlord may expedite the review process. Subsidized Apartments to speak with a real person who can help. Eligible properties include single family dwellings (attached or detached) located in West Virginia and used as a primary residence. These same payments are available to former recipients for 6 consecutive months after case closure as long as the family income does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level. WV American Water (WVAW) is currently the only water company participating in the program. Salvation Army. What happens to the application I already submitted? You cannot be reimbursed for rent payments you have already made. Emergency Utility Assistance Program is designed to help families that are struggling with payment of their utility services in a timely manner and are now under the threat of termination. 2017 West Virginia Housing Development Fund. Eastern Action. Are renters who receive housing relief assistance through another program eligible for assistance? The maximum amount a voucher would pay on behalf of a low-income tenant in Putnam County, West Virginia for a two-bedroom apartment is between $903 and $1,103. Updated 2/17/2023 10:29 am. Income from all household members 18 years and over and covered by the same lease is included. The following bonuses are paid based on case circumstances: $100 one-time High School Diploma Achievement Bonus is paid when the TASC exam is passed or obtains a High School diploma. MRAP does not reimburse applicants for any expenses already paid. Each MRAP payment for past due rent will automatically include $30 per monthin late fees. Recovery Assistance Program fees for those living in recovery housing incurred on or after April 1, 2020. Local FirstEnergy employees featured in video encouraging customers to seek assistance FirstEnergy Corp.'s (NYSE: FE) electric companies in West Virginia - Mon Power and Potomac Edison - are urging residential customers experiencing financial hardship to contact their utility as soon as possible to establish an affordable payment arrangement or obtain assistance before shut-offs for . 2017 West Virginia Housing Development Fund. I understand it is an eligibility requirement that I must cooperate with the Department of Health and Human Resources and with any provider of medical services in pursuing any resource available to meet the medical expenses of any medical assistance recipient. CLICK HERE to check the status of your application, For questions about eligibility, dial 211 or CLICK HERE. If your mortgage is serviced by another financial institution and you are currently experiencing issues paying your mortgage, please inquire about any available loss mitigation options assistance through your current mortgage servicing company. Typically, applicants will not receive direct assistance payments. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources administers and manages eligibility for Medicaid and Economic Assistance programs. They are available to all active providers receiving subsidized payment. 212 D Street, South Charleston, WV 25303. Your landlord will be required to repay any rental assistance which cannot be applied to your current lease due to termination of the lease by either party. Justice was joined by Erica Boggess, Director of the West Virginia Housing Development Fund, to provide an update on the Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program. Household members who are not property owners should not apply. Aftercontacting FEMA,you can call 1-866-982-4685 for information regarding programs administered by the State of West Virginia andthe Department of Health and Human Resources. Attestations can be used for those who do not have documentation of their income and those who have not had any income in the last 30 days. JOIN placements may not exceed 12 consecutive months. . As a condition of accepting MRAP assistance, the landlord must agree to waive any late fees due by the tenant that total over $30 per month. First time applicants submitting a paper application will be limited to current and past-due rent if eligible. Participating renters may be required to update their applications to verify eligibility requirements. LIEAP assists eligible households with the cost of home heating through direct cash payments or payments to utility companies on their behalf. A year and a half after Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) launched, the program has closed. General questions about MRAP can be found at www.wvrentalassistance.com. Money is awarded for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. If that is the case, please use the toll-free number at 1-833-848-9905. First time applications are subject to the 15-month limit, which can include past due and current rent. You can preview your documents after uploadto review before submitting. *Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program 50% Income Limits (LowIncome). Step 2-WV WORKS requirementsIn addition to financial eligibility, the client is required tocomplete an orientation to WV WORKS that may be done in a group or individually. I am a renter and received assistance under the MRAP program. The 211 centers referral specialists receive requests from callers, access databases of resources available from private and public health and human service agencies, match the callers needs to available resources, and link or refer them directly to an agency or organization that can help. You will need to call or stop by your local office to apply. What type of assistance is available through the Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program for eligible applicants? Assistance may be provided for a total of 18 months for rental, utility, and recovery program fee assistance. CWEP is a work activity for parents or other care taker relatives age 18 and older who have little or not work history. Contact Us 350 Capitol Street, Room 730 Charleston, WV 25301 Ph: (304) 205-6357 Fx: (304) 558-4194 Contact Us Applications are available online at wvpath.org and may also be obtained at local DHHR offices, Community Action agencies, or senior centers operated by an Area Agency on Aging. No. No,rentersdo not need to apply for both types of assistance. Eligible applications in the pending landlord review, pending tenant review or submitted statuses by the cut-off date will still be processed. T: 202-708-1112 Unemployment benefits count as income for this program. assistance from the Commission in 2019; those who received in-kind assistance (37) or were waitlisted (34) for assistance in 2020, those who received in-kind assistance (25) or were waitlisted/covered (10) for assistance in 2021, and those who received in-kind assistance (36) or were covered (16) in 2022.1 These CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Children and Families has announced the availability of a one-time special assistance payment for families in need. Yes. Eligible applicantscan receive past dueor currentrentand/or pastdueor currentutility assistance for payments due afterApril 1, 2020and up tothe date oftheir application for assistance. Justice announced an upcoming initiative called the Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program, which will provide aid to renters and landlords who have been impacted by COVID-19. Due to high call volume, call agents cannot check the status of your application. . Click here for a list of documents you will need to apply. Mon Power: 1-800-686-0022. The Emergency Assistance Program is used to assist individuals and families in meeting financial crises when they are without available resources. Work Support including financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance and education programs. What types of assistance are eligible under the MRAP? The Federal Government pays 100% of West Virginia Food Stamp Benefits with federal grants appropriated for SNAP. In addition, DFAP contracts with the Community Action network and with regional Agency on Aging offices to perform outreach and accept LIEAP applications at their local sites. Call (304) 558-0684 for the main intake. To be eligible for this rate reduction, one must be a recipient of either SNAP AND be 60 years of age or older, SSI and be 18 years of age or older, or WV WORKS. Assistance is not available for expenses related to second homes, vacant or abandoned properties, or investment properties. Eligibility for both program components is based on a combination of factors, including income, type of heating payment, and total heating costs. I filed a future lease certification. Prequalification is not a guarantee of approval or funding. No, landlords cannot apply on your tenants behalf, but you may register your rental property and your tenants name in the landlord application portal. To qualify, the household must meet all program guidelines, which includes an applicants annual income being at or below 60 percent of the State Median Income. Please contact the MRAP organization that processed your application to verify that payment was directed to the correct address or account. The BFA Division of Family Assistance Policy (DFAP) operates LIEAP in each of the DHHR field offices for a short time each winter, usually beginning with a mail-out to targeted households. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES Application for Burial Benefits A. Applicant's Name Phone Address City, State, Zip B. Deceased's Name Birthdate . areautomatically mailed to eligible customers Return theapplicationfrom DHHR with the following information: Electricaccount number Application must be signed Utilities requested in existing applications and first-time applications will be reviewed. Yes, households that receive federal or state rent subsidies (where a percentage of the rent is paid by the household and the balance is subsidized by the government) are eligible for rental and utilityassistancefor the portion paid by the tenant. Tel-Assistance ApplicationTel-Assistance Fact Sheet. To contact someone at WV 211 you can dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211. Can that person apply? For information on all of our locations, click here. This includes 1-4 family units with the applicant required to occupy one of the units, condominiums, townhouses, modular and manufactured homes, both double and single-wide homes affixed or unaffixed to real property. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is operated in West Virginia by First Choice Services and funded by the Bureau for Behavioral Health. Applicants moving into a new residence who have not yet signed a lease may provide a Future Lease Certification form signed by the applicant and the landlord instead of a written lease if the applicant is not related to the landlord or an employee of the landlord. What can be done ifa landlord refuses to acknowledge payment from the MRAP and threatens eviction? If the application meets eligibility requirements, you will receive funds within 10-14 business days from the date you receive notification that the application was approved in the application portal. Click here to learn more aboutlesser-knowninnovative programs and initiatives that the Bureau for Family Assistance and its grantees offer. You can check out resources for approximately a month at a time, or longer by special arrangement. A one-time, maximum $300 stipend will be allowed for internet services. Thedatabase allows you to browse hundreds of health and human services online, learn about specific programs, intake requirements, eligibility, operation hours and more. , DHHR County Offices are currentlytaking applications for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).