Low-Income Virginians Can Get 100% Help with Heating Bills

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RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Social Services is offering assistance to those who need help paying heating bills.

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP) assists low-income households in the Commonwealth with Fuel Assistance, Crisis Assistance, Cooling Assistance and Weatherization Assistance.

To be eligible, households must be eligible for heating costs and must have a heating expense and gross monthly income not exceeding 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

Applications are accepted from the second Tuesday in October (October 8) until the second Friday in November (November 8)..

Applicants will receive notification of eligibility in late December. Once approved, payments are submitted in a lump sum to respective utility companies.

For example, if an eligible Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) customer is eligible for $500 in heating assistance, that amount is forwarded directly to the SVEC. The customer will still receive a statement each month, but the monthly amount due will show as paid. This will continue until the $500 is exhausted.

There is no notification of expiration of funds, so customers are still encouraged to pay close attention to billing and payment each month as funds are distributed.

Applications for assistance are accepted at the local departments of social services.

Customers may apply one of three ways.

Option 1: Screen for eligibility and/or apply online through CommonHelp

Option 2: Call the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 855-635-4370 Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. to apply by phone.

Option 3: Submit an application manually. Complete the appropriate application below and return it to your local department of social services.

Fuel Assistance Application (English) (PDF) or Fuel Assistance Application (Spanish) (PDF)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all application materials well in advance of the November deadline. Late submissions are not considered.