Virginia COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program
The Virginia Department of Social Services is committed to helping households affected by COVID-19 meet their home energy needs. Virginia households that would not typically qualify for other home energy assistance programs may be eligible to receive aid through the new Virginia COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program.
The program is designed to assist low-income households who are not eligible to receive assistance from the existing energy assistance programs because they do not meet either the financial criteria or the vulnerable individual (household member who is age 60 or over/disabled/under age 6) criteria. Depending on the availability of funds, the program will provide a one-time payment of $300 to assist eligible households with payment of a heating or cooling expense.
For additional program details and eligibility requirements, please see below.
- Call (800) 552-3431 or
- Contact your Local Department of Social Services
Types of Assistance
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When to Submit an Application
Applications are currently being accepted and will continue through November 20, 2020 or until funds are exhausted.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility criteria for assistance include:
- Must be resident of Virginia
- Must have a heating or cooling expense responsibility
- Must be either a United States citizen or an eligible immigrant
- A household's monthly gross income must be less than the maximum allowed for the number of people in the home:
Household Size
Maximum Income
1
$2,720
2
$3,558
3
$4,395
4
$5,232
5
$6,069
6
$6,907
For Each Additional Member
Add $156
Note: Households that received crisis, fuel or cooling assistance (except equipment-related services) from VDSS within the 12 months are not eligible to receive COVID-19 EAP benefits. However, households may qualify for other energy assistance programs provided below.
How to Apply
Option 1: Complete a COVID-19 EAP application online
Option 2: Submit an application through the COVID-19 Virginia Resources app, which is available for download on all Android or iOS devices.
Option 3: Contact the dedicated energy assistance phone line at 1-833-829-2767. (Note: Applicants are encouraged to submit an application online or through the COVID-19 Virginia Resources app as there may be extended call wait times.)
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When to Submit an Application
- Equipment-related assistance & security deposits - November 1 through March 15
- Heating fuel & utility bills (primary heat expense) - First workday in January through March 15
Assistance Available
- Heating equipment - repair or replacement
- Heating equipment - supplemental (example: fuel tanks)
- Security deposit - primary heat expense
- Heating fuel/utility - primary
- For details and a complete list of assistance available, refer to the manual below
Eligibility Requirements
- There must be a heating emergency, such as:
- Lack of heat
- Imminent utility cut-off
- Inoperable or unsafe heating equipment
- For a complete list of eligibility requirements, refer to the manual below.
How to Apply
- Option 1: Screen for eligibility and/or apply online through CommonHelp
- Option 2: Call the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 1-855-635-4370 (Monday - Friday 7 am - 6 pm) to apply over the telephone.
- Option 3: Submit an application manually. Fill out the appropriate application below and return it to your local department of social services:
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When to Submit an Application
Applications are accepted from the second Tuesday in October until the second Friday in November.
Eligibility Requirements
- Household applying must be responsible for heating costs
- For a complete list of eligibility requirements, refer to the manual below.
How to Apply
- Option 1: Screen for eligibility and/or apply online through CommonHelp
- Option 2: Call the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 1-855-635-4370 (Monday - Friday 7 am - 6 pm) to apply over the telephone.
- Option 3: Submit an application manually. Fill out the appropriate application below and return it to your local department of social services:
When to Expect Eligibity Determination
Applicants should expect notification of their eligibility in late-December.
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When to Submit an Application
Applications are accepted June 15 through August 15.
Assistance Available
- Air conditioning unit (window) - purchase and install
- Air conditioning unit (central) - repair air conditioning unit or heat pump
- Electric bill - operate cooling equipment
- Security deposit - electric
- For details and a complete list of assistance available, refer to the manual below
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have cooling expense responsibility
- Household must include one vulnerable individual age 60 or older, disabled or under age six
- For a complete list of eligibility requirements, refer to the manual below.
How to Apply
- Option 1: Screen for eligibility and/or apply online through CommonHelp
- Option 2: Call the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 1-855-635-4370 (Monday - Friday 7 am - 6 pm) to apply over the telephone.
- Option 3: Submit an application manually. Fill out the appropriate application below and return it to your local department of social services:
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The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers this program. For details, visit their website.
Manual
- Complete Manual (PDF)
Publications
- Energy Assistance Program Information Sheet (PDF)
- Energy Assistance Program Information Sheet (Spanish) (PDF)
Related Links
- Benefits - Appeals
- Benefit Programs Brochure (PDF)
- Civil Rights Policy & Procedures
- Private Utilities Market Guide
Legal Basis
- Federal Legal Base - Energy Policy Act of 2005, Public Law 109 - 58
- Federal Regulations Base - 45 CFR Part 96 Subparts A - F and H
- State Legal Base - Code of Virginia, Sections 63.2 - 217 and 63.2 - 805
