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The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) will provide cooling assistance to qualifying households this year through the Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Applications are currently being accepted and can be submitted until Tuesday, August 15.
To qualify, a household must have a child less than 6 years of age, an adult 60 years or older, or an individual living with a disability. Gross monthly income may not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Individuals and families in need of cooling assistance are encouraged to apply even if they are unsure of their eligibility status.
Assistance is available for payment of electric bills to operate cooling equipment; payment of security deposits for electricity to operate cooling equipment; repair of a central air-conditioning system or heat pump; purchase of a whole-house fan, including ceiling or attic fans; or purchase and installation of a window unit airconditioner.
Households who received a one-time benefit of $600 for payment of electric bills to operate cooling equipment in June will not be eligible to receive additional payments for this type of assistance in 2023.
Applications (available in English and Spanish) can be submitted to the local department of social services, online via CommonHelp, or by calling 1-855-635-4370. Eligibility is determined by the local department of social services. VDSS has provided relief to local residents through the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for over 20 years. Last year, cooling assistance was provided to over 86,000 Virginia households through the LIHEAP.
