How To Apply For Virginia Cooling Assistance Program – Temperature extremes in Virginia hit the vulnerable population– the hardest including older adults, disabled individuals and low-income families with young children who struggle financially to afford the rising cooling costs. While in some homes people stay cool and comfortable during the sweltering summer, thanks to cooling equipment like fans and air conditioning there are plenty of others who are devoid of this basic need.
According to a recent U.S. Department of Energy Data approximately 14 million American households nationwide lack air conditioning units.
Fortunately, there are Summer Cooling Assistance Program available to low-income households through government agencies, nonprofit organizations, charities and utility bills that help individuals living on fixed incomes to stay cool during the summer months. In this comprehensive guide, we will help you walk through the different Virginia cooling assistance programs and will highlight the eligibility criteria, the documentation requirements and the application process for all the programs.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Eligibility criteria include income level, citizenship/residency, medical conditions, age, household size, disability status, and emergency needs.
- Required documents include proof of identity, income, residency, age, household size, emergency need, disability, and medical documentation.
- The Virginia Cooling Assistance Programs provide financial aid for cooling bills, energy-related home repairs, weatherization, and crisis assistance.
- Various government and nonprofit organizations offer cooling assistance in Virginia.
- The application process involves verifying eligibility, gathering necessary documents, and applying through appropriate agencies.
What Are The Eligibility Criteria To Qualify For The Virginia Cooling Assistance Programs?
Following is the list of eligibility criteria to qualify for cooling assistance programs and get help with free air conditioners for low-income families.
- Income Criteria: Virginia residents need to prove their low-income status and have a household income below a specific percentage of the state median income or federal poverty level.
- Citizenship/ Residency: Applicants need to prove they are citizens of the United States and permanent residents of Virginia to receive assistance.
- Medical Conditions (if any): Low-income households in Virginia who are living with certain medical conditions that can be exacerbated by heat like respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease or diabetes can qualify for cooling assistance programs.
- Age Criteria: Virginia Cooling Assistance Programs often prioritize vulnerable populations like elderly citizens, disabled individuals and low-income families with children. The vulnerable populations are prone to heat-associated illness get priority during extremely hot weather conditions.
- Household Size: A few programs consider the household composition and size while determining the eligibility criteria. Larger households or those living with elderly relatives or children may get priority.
- Disability (if any): Virginia residents living with disability and susceptible to heat associated illness or serious health issues can get priority from the cooling assistance programs.
- Emergency Need: A few Virginia Cooling Assistance Programs consider the crisis or energy burden of the household before providing them assistance. Households with high energy burden or those who are receiving utility shutoff notices can qualify for immediate financial assistance to offset the cooling expenses.
Similar to Virginia, there are many NYC cooling assistance programs that can be of great help for NYC residents.
What Are The Documents Required To Qualify For Virginia Cooling Assistance Programs?
Here is the list of documents that you are required to provide to the program or organization administering the Virginia Cooling Assistance Programs to make sure resources are allocated to those with genuine need:
- Proof of Identity: You need to provide proof of your identity in the form of a passport, state ID, driver’s license or government-issued identification documents.
- Proof of Income: You need to provide proof of household income in the form of pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns or other documents that verify your financial position.
- Proof of Residency: You need to provide proof of address in the form of a property tax statement, lease or rental agreement, and utility bills showing your current address.
- Proof of Age: Applicants need to provide proof of their age set by the organization in the form of utility bills, mortgage or lease agreements.
- Proof of Household Size: You need to provide proof of your household size or composition in the form of a marriage certificate or divorce decree, birth certificate or adoption papers for your children and legal guardianship documents (if applicable).
- Proof of Emergency Need: You may have to provide recent utility bills to demonstrate a huge financial burden or shut-off notices if you are facing utility disconnection due to financial problems.
- Proof of Disability: You need to provide medical records that document your disability status for instance Disability Award Letter from the Social Security Administration.
- Medical Documentation: You may need to provide a prescription for the necessity of cooling equipment from your healthcare professional, a doctor’s medical certification or a statement confirming a medical condition exaggerated by a rise in temperatures.
Want to get free appliances for low-income families? Head to our next blog.
How Does The Virginia Cooling Assistance Programs Help?
The Virginia Cooling Assistance Programs enable low-income households to offset the cost of cooling their homes during the hot summer months.
The program targets vulnerable families having elderly individuals, young children or those with disabilities and enables them to afford the high cost of air conditioning and utility bills. The key aspects of the program include the following benefits.
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Cooling Bill Payment Assistance
The main objective of the Virginia Cooling Assistance Programs is its provision of financial aid that helps with heating and cooling energy costs.
By providing monetary assistance these programs enable low low-income holds to reduce their financial burden and offset energy costs. The benefits include financial support with cooling expenses during sweltering summers.
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Energy-Related Home Repairs
Another significant benefit of the Virginia Cooling Assistance Program is its support for energy-associated home repairs that help to make minor home repairs and improve the energy efficiency of the household.
For instance, if your cooling equipment is broken or inefficient you can apply for the Li LIHEAP funds to repair or replace the system, reduce the overall energy cost of your household and improve safety.
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Weatherization
Virginia Cooling Assistance Programs contribute to the weatherization of homes which is an essential benefit that boosts energy efficiency and reduces energy cost.
The financial assistance can be used for making home improvements that reduce energy waste like ceiling cracks in windows or walls to prevent air leaks or adding insulation to keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer. The funds can be used for insulating an attic, installing energy-efficient windows to reduce cooling costs in summer and so on.
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Energy Crisis Assistance
A significant benefit of Virginia Cooling Assistance Programs is energy crisis assistance that enables low-income households facing severe and immediate energy needs. This generally involves situations where low-income families are in danger of having their utility services shut off due to unpaid bills.
Once a household in Virginia receives utility shutoff notices due to unpaid energy bills they can consider applying for Virginia Energy Assistance Program EAP or LIHEAP to get funds and keep the utilities running. This will ensure your home remains cool and comfortable during the summer months.
There are free air conditioner programs for low-income families in Pennsylvania as well. Know more about them in our next guide.
Government Programs Offer Cooling Assistance Programs In VA
In the below section of the guide we have outlined some useful resources that help with cooling assistance in Virginia.
The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps low-income households meet their immediate home energy requirements.
The program is administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The program comprises four components of assistance: fuel assistance, cooling assistance, crisis assistance and weatherization assistance.
Cooling assistance through this program can help you purchase a new air conditioner, fix an existing one or get help with your electricity bill. To qualify for the program you need to demonstrate robust cooling needs and proof that any one of the household members is a young child, senior citizen or disabled individual. This is why you also have to meet the income and citizenship criteria.
To apply for the program you need to visit your local Department of Social Service and get assistance from June 15th through 15th August. For more details visit the Virginia Department of Social Service website or contact your Local Area Agency On Aging.
To qualify for the program you need to fulfill the following annual household income criteria for 2024.
- $19578 for one-person household
- $26572 for two-person household
- $33566 for three-person household
- $40560 for four-person household
- $47554 for five-person household
- $54548 for six-person household
- $61542 for seven-person household
- $68536 for eight-person household
- For households with more than eight people, you need to add $6994 per additional person.
Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program helps in improving the energy efficiency of low-income homes. The program funds for installation of energy conservation measures in the homes of low-income families and reduces their cooling bills.
The services are designed for low-income households specifically for the elderly, disabled and families with children. The program is administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and local agencies.
You can qualify for weatherization assistance if you get SSI, TANF etc benefits. To qualify for the program you need to have an annual household income at or below 60% of the state median income. Let’s take a look at the Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program income guidelines for 2024.
- $41810 for one-person household
- $54675 for two-person household
- $67539 for three-person household
- $80403 for four-person household
- $93268 for five-person household
- $106132 for six-person household
- $108545 for seven-person household
- $110957 for eight-person household
- For households with more than 8 individuals, you need to add to four one $2.00 per additional person.
Senior Cool Care
A public-private partnership that is sponsored by Dominion Energy and administered by the Virginia Department For Aging And Rehabilitative Services is Senior Cool Care. Local Area Agencies on Aging administers this program by screening applicants and distributing free air conditioners for senior citizens.
You can get a list of participating agencies by contacting your local Virginia Department for the Aging or by dialing 1-800-552-3402. Low-income senior citizens in Virginia can keep themselves cool and comfortable during the summer months by getting free ACs through this program.
In a nutshell, low-income families can qualify for many free things from the government.
Nonprofit Organizations Or Charities That Help With Virginia Cooling Assistance Programs
Harrisonburg Electric Commission
The Harrisonburg Electric Commission offers a wide array of programs to enable customers to get the added convenience and improve energy efficiency in their homes which will lead to a decrease in energy costs and even in energy bill payments. The EnergyShare program by Harrisonburg Electric Commission is designed for those who are unable to pay for their heating or cooling bills.
They provide two options for customers who want to make donations to the program and all donations are tax deductible. For low-income households, the organization has partnered with Community Housing Partners EnergySolution to provide weatherization upgrades in addition to audits.
Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas is dedicated to helping customers find ways to save dollars and energy when they are building a new home and make improvements to their existing home to save energy in the long run.
They offer convenient bill payment options including online bill payment, auto pay and more that help to offset your cooling expenses. The essential aspect of the service is that the initiatives are provided completely free of cost to the less fortunate people.
To find out more you can contact them at 757-858-1397 or 757-229-9389. There is another initiative from Virginia Natural Gas called the EnergyShare program that starts in January every year and helps people with their utility bills. You can contact the Salvation Army and make an appointment to apply for the grant. it
Dominion Virginia Power- EnergyShare
Created in 1983 Dominion Virginia Power assists low-income households through its EnergyShare program heating and cooling bill assistance initiative in Virginia.
The heating bill assistance of the program applies to any heat source like gas, oil, kerosene, or wooden electricity. The program is supported by donations from employees, utility stockholders, customers, businesses and civic groups.
Moreover, matching funds and administrative costs are also paid by the utility. For more information, you can dial 211 for a referral to your local energy share agency or simply dial 1-866-366-4357. The EnergyShare program provides additional benefits for senior citizens, military veterans and those living with individuals. The best thing about applying for this program is that it is not based on income so any customer who is in crisis in Virginia can consider applying for the program.
Appalachian Power- Neighbor To Neighbor Program
Appalachian Power Company offers electrical and utility services to thousands of low-income people in Virginia. Individuals who are finding it difficult to pay their utility bills during summer can apply for the Appalachian Neighbor To Neighbor Program. The partnering agency of the organization connects people with the programs that help them with food, health services, clothing, childcare and more assistance programs.
The program is administered by Dollar Energy Fund, a program that offers customers utility assistance on their bills. For this, you have to apply for one of the partnering agencies of the organization. You can use Dollar Energy Funds agency finder to locate an agency near you and enter your city, address, state or zip code in the address field to find the nearby agency that can help you with cooling bill expenses. You can contact the Customer Solutions Center in Virginia by dialing 8009564237.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a popular nonprofit organization that helps with disaster services, the pathway of home, food pantry, Christmas assistance, back-to-school support, the government’s Hope Center and many other assistance programs for those in need.
They also offer a heating and cooling assistance program in Virginia and the program funds are used to cover Virginia natural gas, Dominion Virginia power and fuel oil gas. The cooling assistance programs are available from June 1 to October 31.
To apply you need to come to the social service office along with a receipt of the utility shutoff notice to get screened for your eligibility. The eligibility criteria require individuals to call the energy shared hotline at 757-965-9012 ext 1 to obtain all the relevant information. The program covers senior citizens who are 60 years or above.
Energy Assistance Program By Fairfax County Department Of Family Services
Fairfax County Department of Family Services operates in the Fairfax area Virginia and provides Fairfax cooling assistance for low-income households. To be eligible for the program you need to meet the income, resource and location criteria.
The program helps with heating, crisis assistance, cooling support and weatherization assistance. Virginia residents living in Fairfax City, Falls Church City and Fairfax County can consider applying for the program by contacting the Fairfax County Department of Family Services.
The application for the cooling assistance program is accepted by the Department of Social Service from June 15th to August 15 and enables households to meet their cooling needs. Households must have one vulnerable person child, senior citizen or disabindividualuals and must need cooling assistance to qualify.
The assistance includes the purchase of a portable or installed fan, payment of electric utility or security deposit, purchase and installation of AC, and payment of electricity bill to operate cooling equipment. You can also qualify for weatherization assistance to get help with air infiltration and energy efficiency in the following areas: Burke, Chantilly Centreville Fairfax station, Dunn Loring, Oakton, Merrifield and most zip codes in Fairfax and Vienna. For more information about cooling and energy assistance contact 703-324-438.
Fan Care And Cooling Assistance Program
Senior citizens who want to receive free standalone ceiling fans can consider applying for the Fan Care And Cooling Assistance Program by submitting applications before the summer months.
The program assists low-income households where vulnerable members are present in the household like a young child, an elderly individual or disabled individual. The program help with free ACs for the elderly population. To date, this program has distributed 22,000+ fans among those in need.
Conclusion
To sum up there are resources available at the federal, state and local level that help Virginia residents to get cooling assistance in the form of utility bills or free air conditioners. These programs are backed by governmental, non-governmental organizations and charitable institutions and encompass resources that can be of great help to vulnerable residents and give them a sense of relief during scorching hot summer days. Go through the aforementioned resources including the eligibility criteria and the documentation process to obtain free cooling assistance and stay comfortable during the hot summer months.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding the Virginia cooling assistance program. You can learn more about the assistance programs at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Utility Bills In Virginia Help Low Income Households?
A lot of utility companies in Virginia help low income customers by waiving security deposits provided they qualify for low income home energy assistance programs. These are as follows:
- Appalachian Power (1-800-956-4237)
- Virginia Natural Gas (1-866-229-3578)
- Dominion Virginia Power (1-866-366-4357)
- Washington Gasoline (037-501-000)
Where Can I Find Help With Cooling My Home Apart From Government Programs?
Besides government cooling assistance programs there are many other resources that can help you cool your home. You can seek assistance from charitable nonprofits, faith-based communities, thrift stores, mutual aid groups, churches and household donation centers to find free or low cost cooling equipment. Goodwill, Salvation Army, synagogues, local churches and community based organizations are some amazing resources to check.