The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is currently accepting applications for fuel assistance online, by telephone through the Enterprise Customer Service Center at (855) 635-4370, and at all local departments of social services through Friday, November 12. To qualify for fuel assistance, the maximum gross monthly income for a one-person household must not exceed $1,610. For a household of four, the maximum gross monthly income is $3,313.
Fuel assistance is intended to offset the cost of heating expenses for eligible households and may also be utilized for delivery and installation charges as well as connection or reconnection fees. The program is funded by the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program federal block grant and administered through the Virginia Energy Assistance Program(EAP), which provides state support to assist low-income households in meeting their immediate home energy needs such as electricity, natural and liquid propane gas, oil, kerosene, coal, and wood.
“With fuel costs rising and many households still reeling from the economic impact of the pandemic, we know many Virginians are struggling to meet their home energy needs,” said VDSS Commissioner S. Duke Storen. “Last year, nearly 105,000 households received fuel assistance. We will continue to provide this critical resource to help eligible households remain safe and warm during the cold, winter months. We encourage Virginians to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for assistance while funds remain.”
To apply online, visit CommonHelp at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov. Families and individuals can also apply through their local department of social services or submit an application by telephone by contacting the Enterprise Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information regarding eligibility and income requirements, click here to view theEAP Information Information Sheet.
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