Home Breadcrumb /  Benefit Programs / Energy Assistance Program (EAP)

Energy Assistance Program (EAP)

Home Energy Costs

Virginia’s Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills, manage home energy emergencies and improve energy efficiency.

About the Program 

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps low-income households meet their immediate home energy needs. EAP has four components: 

  • Fuel Assistance – Offsets heating fuel costs 
  • Crisis Assistance – Helps with heating emergencies 
  • Cooling Assistance – Helps with cooling bills and equipment 
  • Weatherization Assistance – Improves energy efficiency and reduces costs 

To qualify for Fuel, Crisis or Cooling Assistance, households must: 

  • Have a heating or cooling expense 
  • Have a gross monthly income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level 

Federal poverty level is calculated based on yearly income and household size.

Types of Assistance 

Energy Assistance
Crisis Assistance – Heating Emergencies
Fuel Assistance – Heating Costs
Cooling Assistance – Cooling Bills & Equipment
Weatherization Assistance – Energy Efficiency
  • Application window: Nov 1 – Mar 15 (equipment/security deposits); Jan – Mar 15 (fuel/utility bills) 
  • Support may include: heating equipment repair/replacement, supplemental equipment, fuel, primary heat utility bills or security deposits 
  • Eligibility: must have a heating emergency (no heat, cut-off notice, unsafe equipment) 
  • Apply online through CommonHelp, by phone (855-635-4370), or submit a paper form application: 
  • Crisis Assistance Application - English (PDF)
  • Crisis Assistance Application – Spanish (PDF)
    • Application window: June 15 – Aug 15 
    • Support may include: purchase/installation of window AC, repair of central AC/heat pumps, help with electric bills or deposits 
    • Eligibility: household must pay cooling costs and include a vulnerable person (age 60+, living with disability or a child under 6) 
    • Apply online through CommonHelp, by phone or paper form: 
    • Cooling Assistance Application - English (PDF)
    • Cooling Assistance Application (Spanish)

 

Administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Provides home energy improvements like insulation and air sealing to lower utility bills. 

Learn more about Weatherization Assistance

Related Resources 

Appeals 

This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our use of cookies. Please review our web policy for information regarding the data we collect and how we ensure it remains secure.