Virginia has a comprehensive series of fuel assistance policies in place to aid low and middle-income families. The program range from federally-subsidized Liheap programs to a series of state-based programs that aim to provide assistance with heading, cooling, weatherization and resource challenges faced by households. According to state guidelines, the Code of Virginia (Section 63) provides mandated energy assistance for low income households.
Virginia has an impressive set of fuel assistance programs designed to help households cover the costs of winter heating. The state’s climate can make winter heating bills expensive, especially in the context of rising energy costs; as the result, the state has opened up a number of new programs available for households.
In order to qualify for Fuel Assistance, you must fill out an application by December of the previous year on the State’s agency site. You can apply on-line, as well as reviewing the eligibility requirements and determining which programs may be ideal for your situation. Further information is available from your local agency office, which can help direct you to the best program for your particular needs and ensure that you have the application properly filled out.
Local Department of Social Services offices provide screening and applications for local households, which is the gateway to receiving assistance and opportunities for further aid. Each winter, the program is open for applications beginning in October, which will allow households to qualify for subsidized heating rates, reductions on financing costs or can help subsidize weatherization on homes.
Additionally, the State provides a Crisis Assistance program which provides emergency funds that can be used to pay utility bills, repair or replacement of heating or cooling equipment, as well as providing coverage of deposit, financing and direct fuel costs. The crisis program provides an important stop-gap measure to help households in emergency need outside of the standard application window.
In order to qualify for the programs, you must be directly responsible for paying the energy costs or be the representative for a disabled or elderly person who is in need - your local Energy Assistance office can help arrange a full set of services. The applications periods for standard Fuel Assistance are open during the second week of October and run through November, while Crisis assistance is available from November 1 until March 15 each year. Beginning June 15, cooling assistance is available to select households, depending on the climate and individual conditions.
Additionally, local agencies may be able to help households with additional, related programs such as weatherization assistance, grant programs, low income household subsidies and home repairs that may be related to energy costs.
