Virginia residents requiring emergency assistance with utility bills can dial 211.
Although some other programs may be available to residents of the state of Virginia, the primary source of help when you get a notice that your electricity will be shut off because you have not paid your bill is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP is run through the Virginia Department of Social Services and can provide emergency or crisis assistance, as well as heating, cooling and weatherization assistance.
Emergency Assistance
Crisis assistance, such as for residents of Virginia who receive a electricity shut-off notice, is available from November 1 to March 15 and June 15 to August 15 for equipment -related assistance, security deposits, emergency shelter and utility bill payments. Eligibility is determined on a scale of maximum income eligibility which increases depending on the number of people in the home. Potential applicants should contact the Virginia Department of Social Services or their local social services office.
Heating Assistance
Heating assistance is available in Virginia during the winter months of December through March to low-income families. Whether the LIHEAP program helps you with your electric bill or gas bill will depend on the type of heating appliances in your home. Even with an electric heating system, this program is not meant to pay all of your electric bill, only that portion of it devoted to home heating.
Cooling Assistance
Cooling assistance is meant to help with the cooling portion of an electric bill. Assistance is available to low-income families in Virginia during the warmest part of the year, June 15 to August 15. Assistance from this program is based on the availability of funds. If there is any confusion about the application process or where to submit an application, residents should dial 211, which connecting people with free information about community services, either by phone or online (see Resources).
Weatherization Assistance
Although it does not provide help directly to an electric bill, weatherization assistance that can help lower your future heating and cooling costs is also available through the LIHEAP program. Increasing your home's insulation and reducing drafts will reduce your energy use and can result in a substantial savings in your future utility bills.
Tags: electric bill, Department Social, Department Social Services, heating cooling, June August, LIHEAP program, low-income families
