How to apply for Senior Cool Care in Virginia

Who it's for

Senior Cool Care gives low-income Virginians age 60 and older a free fan, window air conditioner, or portable air conditioner so they can stay cool in summer. Dominion Energy sponsors the program, so the home must be in Dominion Energy's service area, and there must be a need for more cooling at home. Income must be below 150% of the federal poverty level. The program runs May 1 through October 31. Apply through the local Area Agency on Aging. Once a unit is provided it belongs to the recipient and does not have to be returned, but the Area Agency on Aging cannot repair or replace a broken unit. The program does not pay for delivery, installation, or electric bills — for help paying an energy bill, see EnergyShare or the Virginia Energy Assistance Program. Call 1-800-552-3402 for the list of participating agencies.

What you'll need

• Proof of age 60 or older
• Proof of household income
• Proof of Virginia residency and a Dominion Energy service address
• A description of the cooling need at home

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Senior Cool Care. 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 age 60 or older, proof of household income, proof of Virginia residency and a Dominion Energy service address — 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 eligibility before applying. You must be age 60 or older, live in Virginia within Dominion Energy's service area, have a household income below 150% of the federal poverty level, and have a need for more cooling at home. The program runs only from May 1 through October 31, and cooling units are subject to each local agency's available supply.
2. Gather your required documents. You will need: proof of age (showing you are 60 or older), proof of household income, proof of Virginia residency and a Dominion Energy service address, and a description of your cooling need at home.
3. Find your local Area Agency on Aging. Call 1-800-552-3402 to get the list of participating agencies in your area.
4. Apply online or by phone. You can apply through your local Area Agency on Aging online or by calling 1-800-552-3402. Submit your documents and describe your cooling need when you apply.
5. Wait for a decision from your local Area Agency on Aging. The local agency reviews applications and makes the final eligibility decision. Processing times vary — ask your agency for an estimate when you apply.

What to expect: After submitting your application, your local Area Agency on Aging will review it and contact you about their decision. If approved, you will receive a free fan, window air conditioner, or portable air conditioner — the unit is yours to keep and does not need to be returned. Keep in mind that the program does not cover delivery, installation, or electric bills. If a unit breaks, the Area Agency on Aging cannot repair or replace it. Because this program runs seasonally from May 1 through October 31 and supply is limited, you will need to apply again during that window each year you need assistance.

Renewals

seasonal (apply between May 1 and October 31)