The Virginia LIHEAP is an initiative by the US federal government and the state of Virginia that helps to subsidize the heating and energy bills for low-income households in the state of Virginia. The program is divided into four main components mainly: Fuel assistance, crisis assistance, cooling assistance and weatherization program. Since its introduction the program has helped low income families to pay for their heating bills especially during the cold winter months.

The different components of the Virginia LIHEAP program help address different energy and heating needs as outlined below:

Virginia LIHEAP Fuel Assistance- this component of the Virginia LIHEAP program helps to subsidize the heating bills of low-income Virginia households by debiting their respective fuel accounts with their respective vendors.

Crisis Assistance- This component of the Virginia LIHEAP program comes in handy when the applying household is in a heating or energy crisis. This component is especially helpful when the fuel assistance and other components of the programs do not address the needs of the applicant.

Cooling Assistance- this component of the Virginia LIHEAP program is particularly dedicated to helping low-income Virginia households deal with cooling emergencies that are caused by extreme heat.

Weatherization Assistance- this component of the Virginia LIHEAP program assists to ensure households use energy efficiently and that they have good air infiltration in their homes.

In order to be eligible for the program, applicants need to meet a set of eligibility requirements. These eligibility requirements are based on the income, residence and the applicant’s participatory status in other social service program such as SNAP, SSI, and TANF.

If you meet the basic eligibility requirements, you should go ahead and apply for participation in the Virginia LIHEAP program. Applying for participation in the program, is a fairly easy and convenient process that involves booking an appointment , filling an application and showing up for an interview with a Virginia LIHEAP program representative.

Upon successful completion of the application process you will start receiving the program benefits.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the Virginia LIHEAP program, applicants need to meet a set of program eligibility requirements. These program eligibility requirements are based on the income, residence and the applicant’s participation in other social service programs.

Virginia LIHEAP -Income Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for the Virginia LIHEAP program, applicants must have an income that is less than the specified maximum based on the household as outlined on this link: www.dss.virginia.gov/files/forms/032-03-0824-28-eng.pdf (Virginia LIHEAP income eligibility guidelines). These income calculations are based on the gross household income before tax.

Virginia LIHEAP-Residential Eligibility Requirements

Applicants to the Virginia LIHEAP program must be residents of the locality in which the application is made and US citizens or registered legal aliens.

Heating or Cooling Responsibilities

To qualify for the Virginia LIHEAP program, applicants to the Virginia LIHEAP program must have a direct heating or cooling expense responsibility.

LIHEAP Application Instructions

Depending on the time of year and nature of application you can apply for the Virginia LIHEAP program during the following dates:

LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: October 9 - November 9
Cooling: June 15 - August 14
Crisis: November 1 - March 15

Virginia LIHEAP Online Application

You can conveniently apply for the Virginia LIHEAP program online by following this link: www.commonhelp.virginia.gov/access/ (Virginia LIHEAP Online application Portal) this webpage also doubles up as an online screening tool and is pretty useful in determining whether one qualifies for the program.

Virginia LIHEAP Paper Application

You can also apply for the Virginia LIHEAP program by downloading, filling and submitting an application form. Depending on the component you are applying for, you can download and print application forms from this link: www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ (Virginia LIHEAP Application Forms). After filling the paper application forms you should mail them to your local Virginia Department of Social Services, these addresses are available on this link: www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/ (List of Virginia LIHEAP Local Agencies)

Upon successful completion of the application process, you will start enjoying the Virginia LIHEAP program benefits.