The federally funded program assists eligible recipients and families across the country with fuel and cooling costs, as well as avoiding disconnection. It also aids those facing an emergency situation relating to heating equipment or bills.Recipients are those who typically spend a high proportion of household income on home energy costs, so LIHEAP helps them meet their home energy needs.
Applications for cooling assistance in Virginia open on Thursday and close on August 15. Payments can be used for purchasing, installing, or repairing air conditioning units or heat pumps, as well as paying electric bills or security deposits for operating cooling equipment.To be eligible, Virginians must have cooling expense responsibilities and a household including one vulnerable person who is aged 60 or older, disabled, or under the age of 6.
The applicants' monthly gross incomes must also not exceed $1,699 for a household of one, $3,469 for a household of four, and $7,009 for a household of 10. More criteria can be found online.There are a few different ways to apply for the energy assistance program.
In the fall, Virginians can apply for fuel and crisis assistance. Crisis assistance applications for equipment-related assistance and security deposits open in November and in January for heating and fueling utility bills. For fuel assistance, applications are open from October until November.