Virginians Still Have Time to Apply for Crisis Heating Assistance This Winter
2019 Application Deadline is March 15
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Applications for Crisis Assistance from the Virginia Department of Social Services’ (VDSS) Energy Assistance Program (EAP) are being accepted through Friday, March 15.
Crisis Assistance is designed to help households overcome energy emergencies that cannot be met by other resources. Families and individuals can apply through CommonHelp by calling the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 1-855-635-4370, or through their local departments of social services.
“The cold weather is often relentless during the winter months, and this year is no different,” said VDSS Commissioner Duke Storen. “No Virginian should have to endure freezing temperatures without heat.” The Crisis Assistance program exists to help households who otherwise would not have the resources to overcome energy emergencies, keep warm and thrive. We encourage individuals and families to submit an application for consideration as soon as possible.”
An energy emergency is determined when a household has no heat or is in imminent danger of being without heat. The following examples would constitute an energy emergency:
- lack of heat
- cut-off of primary heat utility is imminent
- inoperable or unsafe heating equipment
Crisis Assistance varies and may include: payment of security deposit for primary heat utility; purchase of primary home heating fuel; payment of primary heat utility bill; repair of heating equipment; replacement of heating equipment; and/or provision of supplemental heating equipment/maintenance.
To qualify for Crisis Assistance, the maximum gross monthly income for a one-person household cannot exceed $1,316. For a household of four, the maximum gross monthly income is $2,720. Last year, over 66,000 households received assistance.
For more information on the EAP visit http://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/index.cgi.
