Energy Assistance (EA)

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Energy Assistance (EA)

Apply Online Using CommonHelp

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Call 800 552-3431
Contact your local department of social services.

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP) assists low-income households in meeting their immediate home energy needs. The EAP consists of four components: Fuel Assistance, Crisis Assistance, Cooling Assistance and Weatherization Assistance.

To be eligible for Fuel, Crisis or Cooling Assistance, households must have a heating or cooling expense and gross monthly income may not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Applications for fuel, crisis, and cooling assistance are accepted at the local departments of social services and can be submitted in-person, by mail (USPS), or by fax.

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Types of Assistance

Crisis Assistance — Applies to Heating Emergencies

When to Submit an Application

Equipment-related assistance & security deposits - November 1 through March 15
Heating fuel & utility bills (primary heat expense) - First workday in January through March 15

Assistance Available

Heating equipment - repair or replacement
Heating equipment - supplemental (example: fuel tanks)
Security deposit - primary heat expense
Heating fuel/utility - primary heat expense

A complete list of assistance available may be found in the EAP manual.

Eligibility Requirements

There must be a heating emergency, such as:
- Lack of heat
- Imminent utility cut-off
- Inoperable or unsafe heating equipment

A complete list of eligibility requirements may be found in the EAP manual.

How to Apply

Option 1: Screen for eligibility and/or apply online through CommonHelp
Option 2: Call the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 855-635-4370 Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. to apply by phone.
Option 3: Submit an application manually. Complete the appropriate application below and return it to your local department of social services:
- Crisis Assistance Application (PDF)
- Crisis Assistance Application (Spanish) (PDF)

Fuel Assistance — Offsets Heating Fuel Costs

When to Submit an Application

Applications are accepted from the second Tuesday in October until the second Friday in November. (When the second Friday in November is a holiday, the application period is extended to the next business day.)

Eligibility Requirements

The household applying must be responsible for heating costs. A complete list of eligibility requirements may be found in the EAP manual.

How to Apply

Option 1: Screen for eligibility and/or apply online through CommonHelp
Option 2: Call the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 855-635-4370 Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. to apply by phone.
Option 3: Submit an application manually. Complete the appropriate application below and return it to your local department of social services:
- Fuel Assistance Application (English) (PDF)
- Fuel Assistance Application (Spanish) (PDF)

When to Expect Eligibity Determination

Applicants should expect notification of their eligibility in late December.

Cooling Assistance — Applies to Cooling Utility Bills & Equipment

When to Submit an Application

Applications are accepted June 15 through August 15.

Assistance Available

Air conditioning unit (window) - purchase and install
Air conditioning unit (central) - repair air conditioning unit or heat pump
Electric bill - operate cooling equipment
Security deposit - primary electric expense

A complete list of assistance available may be found in the EAP manual.

Eligibility Requirements

The household applying must be responsible for cooling costs
The household must include one vulnerable individual age 60 or older, an individual living with a disability, or a child under age six

A complete list of eligibility requirements may be found in the EAP manual.

How to Apply

Option 1: Screen for eligibility and/or apply online through CommonHelp
Option 2: Call the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 855-635-4370 Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. to apply by phone.
Option 3: Submit an application manually. Complete the appropriate application below and return it to your local department of social services:
- Cooling Assistance Application (PDF)
- Cooling Assistance Application (Spanish) (PDF)