Energy Assistance Programs for Residential Customers

United Way

Dial 211 to speak with a representative from the Virginia United Way Referral Center to learn about organizations in your area that have available assistance. 

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps those in need pay their heating expenses. They provide federally funded assistance to help with managing costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises and weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs. The annual enrollment period typically begins the second Tuesday in October and runs through the second Friday in November.

For additional information, call 800.230.6977, option 8 or visit dss.virginia.gov.

Crisis Assistance

Crisis Assistance is intended for emergency situations. It helps eligible households when fuel assistance or other resources cannot meet the need. Some examples of emergencies include: lack of heat, utility cut-off is imminent, and inoperable or unsafe heating equipment. Types of crisis assistance may include: payment of utility security deposit; purchase of portable space heater; purchase of primary home heating fuel; payment for emergency shelter; payment of primary heat utility bill; repair of heating equipment; replacement of heating equipment; and/or provision of supplemental heating equipment/maintenance.
  
To be eligible for crisis assistance, there must be a heating emergency and certain income and citizenship criteria must be met. Applications for equipment-related assistance, security deposits and emergency shelter are accepted from Nov. 1 through March 15 at local departments of social services. Assistance for the purchase of heating fuel and utility bills for primary residences are available from the first workday In January through March 15. 

Steps to Apply

• Complete screening for potential eligibility
• Submit application to your local department of social services. You can also pick up an application at your local office or ask them to mail one to you.

Note from social services: You may need to be interviewed by an eligibility worker, depending on the type of assistance requested.

Contact your county’s department of social services (see below).