Energy Assistance

Energy Assistance Programs

Energy Assistance programs help eligible households manage heating and cooling costs and address emergency energy needs. These programs are designed to support health, safety, and household stability throughout the year.

You can check eligibility and apply online through CommonHelp, by phone through the Enterprise Customer Service Center, or in person at your local Department of Social Services.

Ways to Apply

Applications may be submitted:

• Online through CommonHelp

• By calling the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 1-855-635-4370

• In person at your local Department of Social Services

Fuel Assistance (Heating Assistance)

Fuel Assistance helps households with home heating costs and related expenses. Assistance may be used for:

• Heating fuel

• Furnace restarts

• Late fees or delivery charges

• Installation costs

• Utility connection or reconnection fees

Application Period:

• Second Tuesday in October through the second Friday in November

Benefits are determined after the application period, and payments or service authorizations are sent directly to vendors in December.

Crisis Assistance

Crisis Assistance is available when a household experiences an energy-related emergency and no other resources are available.

Crisis assistance may help with:

• One-time heat security deposits

• Repair or replacement of heating equipment

• Purchase of home heating fuel

• Payment of heating utility bills

Application Periods:

• November 1 – March 15: Security deposits and heating equipment repair or replacement

• January – March 15: Heating fuel purchases and heating utility bills

Assistance is provided based on the availability of funds.

Cooling Assistance

Cooling Assistance helps eligible households during extreme heat by covering:

• Repair or replacement of cooling equipment

• Payment for electricity needed to operate cooling equipment

To qualify, the household must include at least one vulnerable individual who:

• Is age 60 or older,

• Has a disability, or

• Is under age 6

Application Period:

• June 15 through August 15

Assistance is provided based on the availability of funds.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Energy Assistance, applicants must:

• Be a resident of the locality where they apply

• Be responsible for heating or cooling costs

• Meet household income limits

Household Size & Maximum Monthly Income

11 - $8,607
12 - $9,280
13 - $9,952
14 - $10,625
15 - $11,297
16 - $11,970
17 - $12,642
18 - $13,315
19 - $13,987
20 - $14,660

Reporting Fraud or Abuse

If you suspect fraud or abuse related to Energy Assistance programs, please contact your local Department of Social Services or call 1-800-552-3431.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). This program helps households reduce energy use and improve health and safety by installing cost-effective energy-saving measures.

Services may include:

• Sealing air leaks

• Adding insulation

• Repairing or improving heating and cooling systems

DHCD partners with nonprofit organizations across Virginia to deliver these services. Additional information is available through DHCD’s Weatherization Assistance resources.