Cooling assistance applications now open for qualifying households in Virginia
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Applications for cooling assistance under the Virginia Department of Social Services' Virginia Energy Assistance Program is now available for qualifying households.
The Virginia Department of Social Services has announced that applications are now being accepted for cooling assistance for qualifying households through its Virginia Energy Assistance Program.
According to the department, the deadline to apply is Friday, Aug. 15.
To qualify for cooling assistance, the household must have a child 6 years old or younger, an adult 60 years old or older or a person living with a disability.
In addition, there are also income requirements based on the gross monthly income of the household, but households are still encouraged to apply even if unsure of eligibility status.
According to the release from the department, assistance is available for:
- Payment of electricity bills, as well as security deposits to operate cooling equipment
- Central air conditioning system or heat pump repairs
- Purchase of ceiling or attic fans
- Purchase and installation of window unit air conditioning
The department said that those who have received the one-time benefit payment of $365 for electric bills to operate cooling equipment in June will not be eligible to receive additional assistance payments in 2025.
However, the households will still be eligible to receive other cooling assistance services listed above.
Applications are available in English and Spanish online or by calling the department of social services in the household's locality at 855-635-4370 between 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information, visit the CommonHelp portal.
