PAGE COUNTY, Va. — Colder days are ahead, and local residents have until November 13 to apply for help with keeping their homes warm.
Virginia’s Energy Assistance (EAP) program helps eligible low-income households cover electric or fuel heating costs.
It can also help pay for furnace restarts, late fees, delivery and installation charges, and connection or reconnection fees.
To qualify, households must have a heating expense and gross monthly income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
Income limits vary by household size.
Residents can apply at CommonHelp.virginia.gov or by calling 855-635-4370.
Paper applications are available on the Virginia Department of Social Services website and can be mailed or delivered to the social services office in Stanley.
Applicants should have household income information and their heating provider’s account number ready when they apply.
The seasonal benefit helps offset heating costs for the season rather than paying bills each month.
To stretch that assistance, residents are encouraged to seal drafts around doors, cover drafty windows with insulating plastic film and keep heating vents clear of furniture and curtains.
The U.S. Department of Energy also recommends cleaning or replacing heating system filters as directed, and opening curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let sunlight in. Closing curtains at night can help reduce heat loss.
EAP eligibility notices are sent in late December.
Benefits are paid directly to heating providers.