How to apply for Virginia Energy Assistance Program (Fuel, Crisis & Cooling)

Who it's for

Virginia's Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households pay heating and cooling costs. For the current program year, monthly gross income must be $1,956 or less for one person or $2,643 for two (150% of the federal poverty level). Fuel Assistance applications run from the second Tuesday in October through the second Friday in November; Cooling Assistance from June 15 through mid-August (households must include someone 60 or older, living with a disability, or under 6); Crisis Assistance covers heating emergencies in winter. Apply at CommonHelp, by phone at 1-855-635-4370, or at the local Department of Social Services.

What you'll need

• Proof of all household income
• Most recent energy bill
• Social Security numbers for household members
• Photo identification

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Virginia Energy Assistance Program (Fuel, Crisis & Cooling). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of all household income, most recent energy bill, social Security numbers for household members — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm which type of assistance you need — Fuel Assistance (heating costs), Cooling Assistance, or Crisis Assistance for a heating emergency — and check that you are applying during the correct seasonal window, as funds are limited.
2. Gather all required documents: proof of all household income for every household member, your most recent energy bill, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a photo ID.
3. If applying for Cooling Assistance, confirm that at least one household member is age 60 or older, living with a disability, or under age 6, as this is required to qualify.
4. Apply online through CommonHelp, by phone at 1-855-635-4370, or in person at your local Department of Social Services office.
5. Submit your completed application along with all required documents before the seasonal window closes — Fuel Assistance runs from the second Tuesday in October through the second Friday in November, and Cooling Assistance runs from June 15 through mid-August.

What to expect: After submitting your application, your local Department of Social Services will review it and verify your documents. Processing times vary, so contact your local office or call 1-855-635-4370 for an estimate on when to expect a decision. If approved, assistance is applied toward your energy costs for that program season. Because each assistance type runs on its own seasonal window and funds are available only while they last, you will need to reapply each year during the appropriate window. Watch for announcements about opening dates so you can apply as early as possible.

Renewals

annual (seasonal application windows)