Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
Virginia DSS energy assistance program covering fuel, crisis, cooling, and weatherization pathways for income-eligible households.
Status Update (February 2026)
Virginia DSS currently describes EAP as four components:
- Fuel Assistance
- Crisis Assistance
- Cooling Assistance
- Weatherization Assistance
DSS also publishes component-specific windows rather than one year-round filing period.
Current Application Windows (DSS)
- Fuel Assistance: second Tuesday in October through second Friday in November.
- Crisis Assistance (heating emergencies): fuel, utility-bill, and emergency-heating-equipment categories generally run from November 1 through March 15; primary-heating-fuel support starts the first business day in January through March 15.
- Cooling Assistance: generally June 15 through August 15.
Always verify current-year dates on DSS before applying.
Program Fit and Use Cases
Use Fuel Assistance for routine winter heating burden, Crisis Assistance for urgent shutoff/fuel/equipment emergencies, and Cooling Assistance for qualifying summer risk.
Choosing the correct component first improves approval speed and reduces rework.
How to Apply
- Screen eligibility in CommonHelp or through local DSS.
- Choose the correct EAP component.
- Submit required identity, income, household, and utility documents.
- Respond quickly to follow-up requests.
- Confirm benefit posting with utility/vendor if approved.
Virginia DSS also allows fuel/crisis/cooling applications by phone through the Enterprise Customer Service Center, in addition to local-office submission channels.
Common Mistakes
- Applying in the wrong seasonal window.
- Using outdated year windows from old flyers.
- Incomplete utility-account documentation.
- Not flagging crisis urgency when shutoff or equipment failure is imminent.
- Waiting until final emergency stage before filing.
Practical Tips
- Build one reusable energy-assistance document folder.
- Keep utility notices and account numbers current.
- If crisis-related, call both DSS and utility provider the same day.
- Ask about weatherization referral opportunities for long-term savings.
Suggested Document Pack
- household ID and member list,
- income proof for required review period,
- utility bill and account details,
- shutoff/disconnection notice (if crisis),
- lease or ownership records when required by local DSS.
Cases move faster when documents are submitted in one complete package.
Missed-Window Recovery
If you miss a specific component window, ask local DSS whether another EAP component is currently open and whether emergency criteria apply. Do not assume ineligibility without verifying active program windows.
Utility Coordination
When a shutoff notice is active, notify your utility provider the day you apply and ask what temporary holds may apply while DSS reviews your case. Keep written call notes with expiration dates for any hold arrangements.
Seasonal Planning Habit
Set annual reminders before each Fuel and Crisis window so documents are ready before demand spikes. Early submission usually improves processing speed and reduces emergency stress.
Cooling Eligibility Note
Virginia DSS materials indicate Cooling Assistance is targeted to households with vulnerable members (for example, young children, older adults, or people with disabilities). If your household has medical risk in extreme heat, document that clearly at intake so DSS can evaluate the correct pathway.
Contact-Channel Tip
When deadlines are close, use the fastest available channel (CommonHelp or phone intake) and keep proof of submission date. If you apply by mail or fax, retain timestamp evidence so you can document timely filing if processing is delayed.
Official Sources
- Virginia EAP page: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/
- CommonHelp portal: https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/
- Local DSS directory: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/index.cgi