VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Energy Assistance (EA)

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP) assists low-income households in meeting their immediate home energy needs. To be eligible, households must have a heating or cooling expense and gross monthly income may not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Applications for Fuel, Crisis, and Cooling assistance are accepted at the local departments of social services. The EAP consists of four components: Fuel Assistance, Crisis Assistance, Cooling Assistance and Weatherization Assistance.

Types of Assistance

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 Monday, November 14, 2022.

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

Publications

Related Links

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