News Flash

Richmond, VA (June 28, 2018) – Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is continuing its effort to help provide qualifying households with cooling assistance during the summer months. The application period is open and runs through Wednesday, August 15.

In order to qualify for cooling assistance, a household must have either a child under six years of age, an individual living with a disability, or an adult age 60 or older living in the home. There is also an income requirement for cooling assistance. This year, the maximum gross monthly income, before taxes, for a one-person household is $1,316 and $2,720 for a household of four.

Types of assistance include:
•  Payment of electric bills to operate cooling equipment
•  Payment of security deposits for electricity to operate cooling equipment
•  Repair of a central air conditioning system or heat pump
•  Purchase of a whole-house fan, including ceiling or attic fans
• Purchase and installation of a window unit air conditioner

“Our agency is dedicated to providing eligible families with the necessary assistance to stay safe this summer,” said VDSS Commissioner S. Duke Storen. “Medical conditions can be exacerbated with increased temperatures inside the home. This could potentially create life-threatening situations for vulnerable individuals. I encourage all who may be eligible to apply before the deadline.”

Individuals and families who have a need for cooling assistance, but are unsure of their eligibility status, are encouraged to submit an application. Local departments of social services determine eligibility based on submitted applications. Families and individuals may submit an application through their local department of social services or by calling the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 1-855-635-4370.
Families and individuals are also welcome to apply online via CommonHelp by August 15.

Last year, the Energy Assistance Program provided over 65,000 households with cooling assistance. The Energy Assistance Program is federally funded by the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program block grant. To learn more about the program, including other types of assistance, visit http://dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/index.cgi.

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