As the temperatures drop and cooler winds make their presence known in Virginia, the need to stay warm and comfortable at home becomes essential, particularly during those chilly nights. Thankfully, there’s a program in place to help you keep the cold at bay. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, fondly known as LIHEAP, is here to provide a helping hand when it comes to managing your heating expenses.
Before you move on, you might want to know what the eligibility requirements for the LIHEAP program in Virginia are and what you need to consider when applying for this important money.
Who Qualifies for LIHEAP in Virginia?
To qualify for LIHEAP, you must meet the following requirements, directed by the federal guidelines of this program which is, actually, federally funded. Your gross monthly income should not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level. This income limit ensures that those who are genuinely in need of assistance receive the help they require and that the money will not go to other individuals or households that do not require aid.
You must be a resident of the area where you’re applying for LIHEAP. It’s essential to provide proof of your current address to demonstrate your eligibility. In this case, you must prove you’re a permanent resident in the state of Georgia. You must be a U.S. citizen or have a qualified alien status to apply for LIHEAP. Documentation of your citizenship or immigration status is a necessary part of the application process.
Be ready and willing to provide proof of heating expenses during the winter, such as heating bills where you rely on electricity, natural gas, or other heating sources.
How and Where to Apply for LIHEAP Heating Assistance in Virginia
Applications can be submitted online here, by calling the Virgina Department of Social Services (VDSS) Enterprise Customer Service Center at (855) 635-4370 on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., or in person at local Department of Social Services offices.
Applications will be accepted through November 13, 2023, and will work on a first come, first served basis, which means that the application itself does not guarantee applicants that they’ll be entitled with the money: the program will be closes as soon as the resources run out.
That’s why the VDSS encourages those families in need to apply as soon as possible, for them no to get left behind in this program during those cold, windy, snowy months. For more information on assistance programs, click here and find everything you require for a better quality of life.