Virginia Energy Assistance Program

If energy bills are putting a strain on your budget, Virginia's Energy Assistance Program (EAP) may be able to help. This program helps eligible households in Virginia pay their home energy bills. The program is managed by the Virginia Department of Social Services and provided through local Social Services offices.

The Energy Assistance Program can help pay for heating, cooling, and certain home energy costs. Funding is limited, so the amount of help you receive depends on your household's needs, eligibility, and available program funds.

How does Virginia EAP work?

Virginia EAP is a federally funded program that helps people with low incomes pay their home energy bills. The program offers several types of assistance:

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Fuel Assistance (Heating): Helps pay home heating costs for households that are responsible for their heating bills. Applications are accepted from the second Tuesday in October through the second Friday in November.

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Cooling Assistance: Helps pay for cooling costs during the summer. Assistance may include help with electric bills, the purchase and installation of a window air conditioner, or repairs to a central air conditioner. Applications are accepted June 15 through August 15.

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Crisis Assistance: Helps households facing a heating emergency. Assistance may include heating fuel, heating utility bills, and the repair or replacement of heating equipment. Applications are accepted November 1 through March 15, or until funding runs out.

Who can get help from Virginia EAP?

To qualify for Virginia EAP, you must:

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Live in Virginia

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Have a gross monthly income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level

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Be responsible for paying home heating and cooling costs, either directly or as part of your rent

Note: Some types of assistance have additional eligibility requirements. To receive Crisis Assistance, you must have a heating emergency, such as no heat, a utility shut-off notice, or unsafe heating equipment. Cooling Assistance has additional eligibility requirements, including households with members who are especially vulnerable to extreme heat. Contact your local Social Services office to learn whether your household qualifies.

How do I apply for Virginia EAP?

To apply for Virginia EAP, you will need to complete an application for the type of assistance you need. You can apply online through Virginia’s CommonHelp portal or by phone at 855-635-4370 Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. If you prefer to submit your application in person, download and print the appropriate application below and return it to your local Social Services office.

For fuel assistance:

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Fuel Assistance Application (English)

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Fuel Assistance Application.pdf) (Spanish)

For cooling assistance:

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Cooling Assistance Application (English)

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Cooling Assistance Application.pdf) (Spanish)

For crisis assistance:

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Crisis Assistance Application (English)

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Crisis Assistance Application.pdf) (Spanish)

How can I get help with my application?

If you need help applying for Virginia EAP or have questions about the program, help is available. You can:

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Contact your local Social Services office. They can answer your questions and help you through the application process.

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Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you.https://benefitscheckup.org/article/how-to-find-a-benefits-enrollment-center-near-youSee if there’s one in your area.

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NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559).

What if I cannot get help from Virginia EAP?

1. Talk to your utility company

Many utility companies in Virginia offer assistance programs for customers who need help paying their energy bills. For example, Dominion Energy offers programs such as EnergyShare and the Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP), which may help lower your energy costs or make your bills more affordable.

2. Look for other assistance programs in Virginia

There are other local or state programs that may help you lower your energy bills. Virginia’s Weatherization Assistance Program provides home energy improvements like insulation and air sealing to lower utility bills. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) through a network of nonprofit organizations around the state. Find a local provider near you to learn more.

3. Contact a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)

These local centers help older adults and people with disabilities find programs to afford food, health care, and energy bills. You can contact a BEC in your area for guidance and support.