Virginia residents facing concerns about heating bills in the aftermath of last year’s Winter Storm Elliott can now apply for state fuel assistance. Administered through the federally funded Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), this initiative aims to alleviate heating costs for eligible applicants with a monthly income below specified limits.
The LIHEAP application window typically opens on the second Tuesday in October and closes on the second Friday in November, with a deadline extension to the next business day in case of a holiday. This year, due to Veterans Day falling on a Friday, the deadline is set for Monday.
LIHEAP in Virginia: Are There Funds Still Available?
Danny Avula, the commissioner of Virginia’s Department of Social Services overseeing the LIHEAP program, emphasized the importance of ensuring Virginia families do not struggle to stay warm during the winter months. Avula stated that with this assistance, households will be able to dedicate their resources towards other expenses they might have while staying comfortable in their homes.
Eligibility requirements consider income limits ranging from $1,822 for a one-person household to $13,992 for a household of 20. The funds, amounting to a minimum of $397 and a maximum of $1,282 per recipient, can be utilized for various heating sources, including electricity, natural and liquid propane gas, oil, kerosene, coal, and wood. Additionally, the assistance covers delivery and installation charges, as well as connection or reconnection fees.
Up to $45 Million in LIHEAP Funds in Virginia
In fiscal year 2023, 113,000 Virginia households received fuel assistance through LIHEAP. This fiscal year, Virginia has received $93 million for its LIHEAP services, with $45 million allocated for fuel assistance. Although the state’s fuel assistance program aids only about 30% of the income-eligible population, Dana Wiggins, director of consumer advocacy at the Virginia Poverty Law Center, suggests potential improvements such as a year-round application period and automatic eligibility for those receiving other forms of state assistance.
While the fall enrollment period provides a limited window for critical benefits, efforts were made in the past session to extend the application period year-round. However, the proposal did not make it into the final spending plan. Wiggins notes that despite the one-month guideline, legislation isn’t necessary for this change, and it can be implemented more swiftly without it.
Virginia residents interested in fuel assistance can check eligibility and apply through CommonHelp.virginia.gov, contact the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 855-635-4370, or submit applications at local departments of social services. Eligibility notifications are expected to be sent out in December.