Who can apply
The current fuel, crisis and cooling income standard is 150% of federal poverty and a qualifying energy expense. Crisis requires an emergency; cooling requires a specified vulnerable household member.
What help is available
Help can offset heating costs, address eligible heating emergencies or assist with cooling bills and equipment. The component determines covered support.
Documents to prepare
- Household income and identity records.
- Energy account, fuel or equipment information.
- Emergency notice or vulnerable-member evidence when relevant.
How to get started
Choose the component
Review current windows on VDSS Energy Assistance.
Apply
Use CommonHelp, phone intake at 855-635-4370, or the relevant paper form.
Explain deadlines
Provide any shutoff or unsafe-equipment details to local DSS.
After applying
Regular Fuel Assistance intake runs from the second Tuesday in October to the second Friday in November. Confirm other seasonal windows and never assume an application halts disconnection.
Website screenshots
These images show the pages captured in August 2026. Website screens and rules may have changed.
Common questions
Is one application window used for all help?
No. Components have different windows.
Does cooling have an extra household condition?
It requires a specified older, disabled or young household member.
Is weatherization bill payment?
No. DHCD handles separate home-efficiency services.
What if my heat is unsafe?
Ask local DSS about Crisis Assistance and state the immediate problem.
Sources and review
Content checked October 1, 2026 using VDSS Energy Assistance. Current eligibility and the final decision remain with the program.
Historical screenshots: source reference.