The purpose of this program is to help eligible low-income households offset expenses associated with heating and/or cooling their home.
Types of Assistance
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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: Bypass eligibility screening and 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: Bypass eligibility screening and 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: Bypass eligibility screening and 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
- Manual (PDF)
- Transmittal 16-1 (06-15-2016) (PDF)
Publications
- Energy Assistance - Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Energy Assistance - Fact Sheet (Spanish) (PDF)
- Energy Assistance - Program Information (PDF)
- Energy Assistance - Program Information (Spanish) (PDF)
Related Links
- Benefits - Appeals (Web page)
- Civil Rights Policy & Procedures (Web page)
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
