VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Types of Assistance

COVID-19 Energy Assistance — Applies to immediate energy costs or debt accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic

When to Submit an Application

The application window for the Virginia COVID19 EAP has closed, effective November 20, 2020. To learn more about other energy assistance resources in your area, please contact Virginia 2-1-1 online or by phone by dialing 2-1-1.

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.)

Crisis Assistance — Applies to Heating Emergencies

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:
  • Crisis Assistance Application (PDF)
  • Crisis Assistance Application (Spanish) (PDF)

Fuel Assistance — Offsets Heating Fuel Costs

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:
  • Fuel Assistance Application (English) (PDF)
  • Fuel Assistance Application (Spanish) (PDF)

When to Expect Eligibity Determination

Applicants should expect notification of their eligibility in late-December.

Cooling Assistance — Applies to Cooling Utility Bills & Equipment

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:
  • Cooling Assistance Application (PDF)
  • Cooling Assistance Application (Spanish) (PDF)

Weatherization Assistance — Applies to Energy efficiency & Air Filtration

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