The federally-funded program assists eligible individuals and families across the country with fuel and cooling costs, as well as avoiding disconnection. It also aids those facing an emergency situation relating to heating equipment or bills.Recipients are those that typically pay a high proportion of household income on home energy costs, so LIHEAP helps them meet their home energy needs.
Applications for cooling assistance in Virginia open on June 15 and go until August 15. Payments can be used for purchasing, installing, or repairing air conditioning units or heat pumps, as well as paying electric bills or security deposits for operating cooling equipment.To be eligible, applicants must have cooling expense responsibilities and a household including one vulnerable person aged 60 or older, disabled, or under age six.
Applicants' monthly gross incomes must also not exceed $1,699 for a household of one, $3,469 for a household of four, and $7,009 for a household of 10. More criteria can be found online.Virginians have a few different ways to apply for the energy assistance program.
In the fall, Virginians can apply for fuel and crisis assistance. Crisis assistance applications for equipment-related assistance and security deposits open in November and in January for heating and fueling utility bills. For fuel assistance, applications are open from October until November.