Household energy assistance is available

Households in need of assistance meeting energy needs may be eligible to receive aid through the Virginia COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program.

The new program will assist low-income households that would not typically be eligible for other energy assistance programs offered by the Virginia Department of Social Services due to financial or vulnerable individual (a household member who is age 60 or older, disabled, or under age six) criteria. Eligible households will receive a one-time payment of $300 to address their immediate energy costs, including energy debt accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding comes from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020.

Applications can be submitted online, through the COVID-19 Virginia Resources mobile app or by phone through Friday, Nov. 20, or until funds are exhausted.

To be eligible, you:

• Must be a resident of Virginia.

• Must have a heating or cooling expense responsibility.

• Must be either a United States citizen or an eligible immigrant.

A household’s monthly gross income must be less than the maximum allowed for the number of people in the home as follows:

• One person, $2,750.

• Two, $3,558.

• Three, $4,395.

• Four, $5,232.

• Five, $6,069.

• Six, $6,907.

For each additional household member, add $156.

Households that have previously received crisis, fuel or cooling assistance (except equipment-related services) from VDSS within the 12 months are not eligible to receive Virginia COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program benefits. However, households may qualify for other heating assistance through VDSS’ normal fuel assistance application process, which begins Oct. 13 and ends Nov. 13.

For additional assistance regarding the program, visit http://www.dss.virginia.gov/covideap or contact the dedicated energy assistance line at 1-833/829-2767. Additional information regarding other energy assistance resources is available at dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/.