Energy Assistance (Heating, Cooling and Crisis)

The Energy Assistance Program is comprised of three components: Fuel Assistance, Crisis Assistance, and Cooling Assistance.  The Energy Assistance Program assists low-income households, particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy. There are deadlines for each type of assistance.  Applications for heating are accepted from the second Tuesday in October through the second Friday in November.  Payments to vendors are made during the month of December.



The Cooling Assistance Program provides purchases or repair of cooling equipment and/or payment for electricity to operate cooling equipment.  To be eligible, a household must be income eligible and contain at least one vulnerable individual who is age 60 or over, disabled, or under the age of 6.  Applications for this program are accepted from June 15 through August 15 each year.

The Crisis Assistance Program is intended to meet a household's emergency heating needs when no other resource is available.  Starting from November 1 through March 15, applications are accepted to help with repair or replacement of heating equipment, a one time only security deposit, and/or emergency shelter.

CommonHelp is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s fast and easy way to apply online for many Virginia social services assistance programs. Through a single online site, you can find out what assistance you might be eligible for and submit one application saving you time and effort.  Visit CommonHelp  or call 1-855-635-4370