COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FACT SHEET: 

What is the Energy Assistance Program?

The Energy Assistance Program is made up of the three components:

1. Fuel Assistance component helps eligible households with the costs of heating their homes.
2. Crisis Assistance component helps households in heating emergency situations with primary heat security deposits,
3. Cooling Assistance component helps with cooling equipment purchases or repairs and also with the electric bill.

Who is eligible for the Energy Assistance Program?

In order to be eligible for any of the components a household’s income must be less than the maximum allowed for the number of people in the home. Other requirements are as follows:

1. Fuel Assistance You must be responsible for paying the heating bill.
2. Crisis Assistance You must have a heating emergency.
3. Cooling Assistance You must have or be in need of cooling equipment and there must be an elderly person, disabled person or a child under 6 living in the home.

When is Energy Assistance Available?

Applications are accepted at the local department of social services as follows:

1. Fuel Assistance the second Tuesday in October through the second Friday in November.
2. Crisis Assistance November 1 through March 15 for equipment related assistance, security deposits, and emergency shelter.
3. First workday in January through March 15 assistance is available for primary heating fuel and payments for primary heating utility bills.
4. Cooling Assistance June 15 through August 15.

ALL BENEFITS ARE BASED ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.

How long will it take to process my application?

Fuel Assistance as soon as possible but no later than late December.

Crisis Assistance as soon as all requested information is provided.

Cooling Assistance as soon as all requested information is provided.

What if I’m dissatisfied?

You may request an agency conference to discuss any action with which you disagree. You may also request an administrative hearing by the State Department of Social Services when funds are available and your application is denied, or you are refused the right to apply during the application period, or your application is not acted on or is closed prior to benefit determination. A hearing must be requested within 30 days of the negative action.

The hearing request may be submitted to the local agency or to:

Hearing and Legal Services Manager

Appeals and Fair Hearings Unit

Virginia Department of Social Services

801 East Main Street,

Richmond, VA 23219-3301

If you suspect Fraud or Abuse of any kind, report it to your Local Department of Social Services or call 1-800-552-3431

032-01-914/18-eng (10/10)